Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo

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Craving something that hits all the right notes of heat, comfort, and creamy decadence? This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo delivers just that. It’s the kind of dinner that wraps you in a warm, cheesy hug while lighting your taste buds on fire in the best way. Every bite is packed with smoky Cajun flavor, tender chicken, and pasta cloaked in a silky, mozzarella-laced Alfredo sauce.

Perfect for weeknights when you want something bold but simple to make, this pasta brings restaurant-level flavor right to your kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile: you can dial the heat up or down, add veggies like bell peppers or spinach, or even swap the chicken for shrimp. It’s endlessly customizable while keeping that signature Cajun kick.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

This dish isn’t just about bold Cajun flavor—it’s also a lesson in balance. The creamy Alfredo softens the spice just enough, while mozzarella brings a mild, milky smoothness that binds everything together. It’s a comfort food experience with a little flair, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Also, if you love meal prepping, this recipe holds up beautifully for next-day lunches. The flavors deepen as it sits, and the sauce clings to the rigatoni even better the next day.

What Kind of Rigatoni Should I Use?

Rigatoni’s ridges are designed to catch every bit of that luscious sauce. Standard rigatoni is perfect here, but you can also go with mezzi rigatoni (the shorter kind) if you want a more bite-sized experience. Avoid smooth pasta shapes—you’ll miss out on that saucy magic clinging to each noodle.

Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo

To get the best results with this dish, it helps to use quality ingredients that complement each other. The boldness of Cajun seasoning and the richness of the Alfredo sauce need balance, which is where the mozzarella and fresh garlic come in. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Rigatoni pasta
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Cajun seasoning
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream
• Fresh garlic
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley

Each of these ingredients brings its own character: the chicken offers lean protein and a juicy texture when seared; Cajun seasoning provides that smoky, spicy edge; and the heavy cream, butter, and mozzarella melt together into a rich, velvety Alfredo base that’s hard to resist.

How To Make the Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and coat them well with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on all sides. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Base

In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add fresh garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and luscious.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked rigatoni. Toss everything gently, letting the sauce coat every piece. If the sauce gets too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water can loosen it up perfectly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

How to Serve and Store Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo

This recipe makes about four hearty servings, ideal for a cozy dinner or a satisfying lunch prep for the week. Serve it hot straight from the skillet while the cheese is gooey and the sauce is at its silkiest.

If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream before microwaving or warming it on the stovetop to bring back the creaminess. This pasta is not ideal for freezing, as the dairy-based sauce can separate when thawed.

What to Serve With Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

A classic sidekick for saucy pasta dishes. The crunch and buttery garlic flavors make a perfect match for the creamy heat of the Alfredo.

Classic Caprese Salad

Bright tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil add a cool contrast to the bold Cajun spices. Try our Classic Caprese Salad Recipe for an easy pairing.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted veggies like asparagus bring a hint of charred earthiness that balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Our Roasted Asparagus Recipe is perfect.

Lemon Butter Salmon

A light protein like salmon with citrus notes cuts through the creamy pasta. For inspiration, check out our Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon Recipe.

Southern Cornbread Poppers

If you’re going for a Southern twist, cornbread poppers add a bit of fun and extra spice to your table. They’re crisp on the outside, soft inside, and just the right kind of indulgent.

Caesar Salad

That crunchy romaine and tangy Caesar dressing keep your plate feeling fresh and help balance the spicy heat of the pasta.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

Want to double down on comfort food? Serve a small portion of our Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta as a flavor-packed starter.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Cajun Twist?

If this Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni left you wanting more, you’re going to love these bold, flavor-packed pasta dishes too:

• Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is perfect when you want smoky sausage and silky heat.
• One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni keeps the dishes minimal and flavor maximal.
• Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a protein-rich twist with a velvety feel.
• Tuscan Chicken Pasta combines sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and juicy chicken in a creamy base.

Each of these brings something different to the table, but all have that same comfort-meets-excitement feel.

Save This Recipe For Later

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy or keep it mellow? Did you sneak in mushrooms or maybe swap mozzarella for gouda?

I always love seeing your twists on my recipes. Questions are welcome too—let’s make weeknight dinners exciting together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and satisfying meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to inspiration spot!

Conclusion

This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo is everything a great pasta dish should be: rich, satisfying, and loaded with personality. The boldness of Cajun spice meets the mellow melt of mozzarella in a dish that’s easy enough for a Tuesday but tasty enough for your next dinner party. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving a cozy meal, this one’s bound to hit the spot.

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