Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce

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Creamy, spicy, and unapologetically indulgent, Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce is the ultimate comfort dish for pasta lovers who crave bold flavor. Imagine tender chunks of chicken seared to golden perfection in rich garlic butter, then tossed in a luscious Cajun-seasoned Alfredo sauce that clings to every ridged bite of rigatoni. This dish brings the warmth of the South straight into your kitchen.

The balance between heat and creaminess makes this pasta stand out. The Cajun spices lend a smoky, peppery edge, while the cheesy Alfredo base soothes and smooths every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion, this pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both cozy and elevated.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

If you love bold and creamy dishes, this one delivers on every level. The spiced chicken adds depth and complexity without being overpowering. The garlic butter base enhances the richness, while rigatoni’s perfect texture absorbs the sauce beautifully. Best of all, it comes together quickly and easily in one pan—making cleanup a breeze.

What Kind of Rigatoni or Alfredo Sauce Works Best?

For best results, choose a high-quality bronze-cut rigatoni, which grips the sauce thanks to its slightly rough texture. If you can’t find it, any sturdy pasta shape like penne or ziti will do.

As for Alfredo sauce, you can use a store-bought version to save time, but homemade Alfredo brings unbeatable freshness. Made with cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese, it turns this dish into something truly special. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the Cajun seasoning slightly or add a splash of milk to mellow it out.

Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce

This dish brings together simple ingredients that transform into a flavorful and creamy pasta everyone will crave. While the components are easy to find, each one plays a key role in building the richness, spice, and depth of flavor.

• Rigatoni pasta
• Chicken breasts
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic cloves
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Parsley (optional for garnish)

How To Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, reduce the heat and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This forms the base of your flavor-packed sauce.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for a few minutes. Slowly stir in Parmesan cheese and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer briefly in the sauce.

Step 4: Cook and Combine the Pasta

While making the sauce, cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat every piece of pasta thoroughly.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle extra cheese on top and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Avoid overcooking the chicken. It can go from juicy to dry quickly, especially when simmered again in the sauce. Sear it until just cooked through and let it finish gently in the Alfredo later.

Don’t skip seasoning the pasta water. Salting your water is your first chance to flavor the pasta itself. It makes a real difference in the final dish.

Be cautious with the Cajun seasoning. Depending on the brand, it can get salty fast. Taste as you go, especially if you’re adding more cheese.

Lastly, let the cheese melt gradually in the cream over low heat. Rushing this step can cause the sauce to separate or turn grainy.

How to Serve and Store This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Serve this pasta hot, straight from the skillet, when the sauce is at its creamiest. It pairs beautifully with a light side salad or crusty bread to scoop up every last drop.

This dish serves 4 to 5 people generously. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

A no-brainer. Crunchy on the outside, soft inside—perfect for soaking up that Alfredo goodness.

Caesar Salad

The tangy dressing and crisp romaine balance the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds a bit of green and some roasted flavor to contrast the creamy sauce.

Corn on the Cob

A Southern touch that plays well with Cajun spice.

Grilled Asparagus

Light, simple, and quick to make while the pasta simmers.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Refreshing and acidic to cut through the creaminess.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Their earthiness pairs well with the garlic butter and cheese.

Sparkling Water with Citrus

Keep your palate refreshed between bites with a splash of lemon or lime.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you can’t get enough creamy, flavorful chicken pastas, you’ll love diving into these favorites from my kitchen:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for another velvety garlic-forward main.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta when you’re feeling romantic or just need comfort food.
• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta if you love savory herbs and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a slow-cooked, set-it-and-forget-it dinner.
• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach if you’re craving something cheesy with a seafood twist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the Cajun seasoning? Did you try a different cheese?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce is everything a comforting dinner should be—creamy, spiced just right, and rich with flavor. It doesn’t take hours to make, but it tastes like it did. The best part? You don’t need a restaurant to enjoy pasta this indulgent. With a few pantry staples and some Cajun flair, your kitchen becomes the best table in town.

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