Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

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When you’re craving something rich, spicy, and ultra-satisfying, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the answer. This dish takes rigatoni to the next level with tender strips of chicken seasoned in bold Cajun spices, all bathed in a luscious, cheesy garlic sauce that hugs every curve of the pasta.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its fusion of flavors. You get the smoky heat of Cajun seasoning balanced with the smooth creaminess of mozzarella, finished off with aromatic garlic that perfumes your kitchen as it simmers. It’s the kind of dinner that makes weeknights feel special or impresses guests without the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

This is a pasta dish that refuses to be forgotten. It delivers comfort food satisfaction while adding a little kick. The creamy sauce soothes the spiciness, making it ideal for those who love heat but don’t want to overwhelm their palate. It’s also a versatile recipe—easy enough for weeknights yet fancy enough for guests. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with salads, breads, and even white wine.

What Kind of Cajun Seasoning Should I Use?

You can go with store-bought Cajun seasoning, which is convenient and consistent. But if you like to control the heat and salt content, consider making your own blend. A homemade mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and black pepper will let you fine-tune the flavor to your liking. Look for a seasoning that lists paprika and garlic early in the ingredient list for the best flavor impact. These ingredients are the backbone of Cajun spice, providing both warmth and aromatic depth.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

Every component in this dish plays a flavorful role, creating a pasta meal that’s bold and creamy all at once.

• Rigatoni
• Chicken breast
• Cajun seasoning
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves
• Heavy cream
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Butter
• Fresh parsley

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Chicken

Season sliced chicken breast generously with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, making sure not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to balance the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Cook rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Return the chicken to the pan and toss everything together to coat well.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, optionally with extra Parmesan on top.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even the best recipes can go off track if you’re not careful. One common error is overcooking the chicken—it should be juicy and tender, not dry. Use medium-high heat and don’t crowd the pan. Another pitfall is letting the garlic burn, which turns it bitter. Always sauté it gently. Lastly, if you add the cheese when the cream is boiling rapidly, it might clump. Lower the heat before stirring in the cheeses to ensure a silky sauce.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

This dish serves 4 to 6 people comfortably, depending on appetite and sides. Serve immediately while hot and creamy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

The creamy, spicy sauce clings beautifully to a buttery garlic bread, making it the perfect side.

Caesar Salad

A crisp, refreshing Caesar balances out the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

The slight bitterness and crunch of roasted broccoli pairs nicely with creamy sauces.

Grilled Asparagus

Adds a touch of elegance and freshness to the plate.

Cornbread Muffins

Unexpected but wonderful—the slight sweetness of cornbread contrasts the spice beautifully.

White Wine

A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce and Cajun heat.

Bruschetta

The tomato brightness can offer a fresh counterpoint to the creaminess of the pasta.

Simple Arugula Salad

Peppery and light, it cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta for an ultra-creamy twist with sun-dried tomatoes.
• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta that’s hearty and full of Italian flair.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for garlic lovers who want a no-pasta creamy main.
• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti when you want hands-off, all-day flavor.
• One-Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta for cozy comfort in a bowl.

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 make it extra spicy or tone it down? Did you use homemade Cajun seasoning?

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

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce isn’t just another pasta dish. It’s a flavor-forward meal that transforms weeknight dinners into something worth celebrating. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself, this spicy-creamy creation delivers big comfort with minimal effort.

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