Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

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This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the kind of comfort food that brings both bold flavor and indulgent creaminess to your dinner table. A hearty pasta dish layered with seasoned Cajun chicken, this recipe balances heat, garlic, and cheesy richness in every bite. If you love meals that make your kitchen smell incredible and taste even better, this one won’t disappoint.

Imagine tender rigatoni swimming in a velvety garlic mozzarella sauce that clings to every curve, with juicy Cajun-spiced chicken pieces tucked in between. It’s quick enough for weeknights, special enough for guests, and absolutely irresistible when served with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a twist of cracked pepper.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

If you’re craving something that hits the spot with both flavor and comfort, this dish delivers. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of spice without overwhelming the creamy garlic sauce. It’s a great fusion of Southern heat and Italian comfort. Plus, it only takes one skillet and a pot to bring this dish to life, which makes cleanup a breeze.

The addition of mozzarella brings a gooey, stretchy texture that makes each forkful feel indulgent. Combined with the satisfying bite of rigatoni and the savory sear on the chicken, this recipe quickly earns a place in your go-to dinner rotation.

What Kind of Cajun Seasoning Should I Use?

You can use any store-bought Cajun seasoning, but if you have the time, making your own blend is worth the effort. A homemade mix lets you control the spice level and balance of salt, garlic, and paprika. Look for a seasoning that includes a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs. It should add smoky, peppery warmth to the dish without overpowering the creamy sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

The beauty of this dish lies in how simple ingredients come together to create something incredibly rich and satisfying. Each element adds its own magic to the final result, from the spice of the Cajun chicken to the melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella.

• Rigatoni pasta
• Chicken breasts
• Cajun seasoning
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional)

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and coat them generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Roux

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute to form a roux.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens, then stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained rigatoni and stir to coat everything in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serving and Storing Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

This dish is best served hot, right after the sauce has thickened and the cheese has melted into silky perfection. It feeds about four people generously, making it ideal for a family dinner or a meal prep option with leftovers to spare. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply add a splash of milk or cream while warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave to bring back its creamy texture.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread with Herb Butter

A crusty garlic bread with melted herb butter is the perfect side to soak up any extra sauce left on your plate.

Roasted Broccoli

The subtle bitterness and crisp edges of roasted broccoli offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

Caesar Salad

A chilled Caesar salad adds crunch and tang to balance the dish’s richness.

Sweet Corn on the Cob

Corn provides a touch of sweetness that plays nicely with the spice from the Cajun chicken.

Sautéed Green Beans

Lightly sautéed green beans with a pinch of salt and garlic work beautifully next to the creamy rigatoni.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

These caramelized sprouts add a hint of acidity that cuts through the cheese sauce wonderfully.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

For an ultra-comforting meal, serve this pasta alongside fluffy mashed potatoes.

Chilled White Wine or Sparkling Water

A crisp white wine or a glass of sparkling water with lemon makes an excellent drink pairing to keep things refreshing.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If you loved the bold flavors in this Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni, you’ll definitely want to explore more spicy and comforting pasta dishes like these:

• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a smoky and rich one-pan wonder.
• Creamy Cajun Linguine if you’re in the mood for something creamy with just the right spice.
• Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Garlic Orzo when you crave a lemony zing.
• Cheesy Baked Ziti when cheesy, baked comfort food is calling your name.
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for a milder yet equally satisfying option.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to find next time you’re craving pasta with a little spice.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you dial up the heat or keep it mellow? Add extra cheese? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Explore more comforting and flavorful recipes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next favorite dish for busy nights or cozy weekends: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce takes everything you love about comfort food and elevates it with bold seasoning and a silky, cheesy finish. It’s a recipe you can count on to wow a crowd or treat yourself to something special. Simple enough to whip up on a weeknight and flavorful enough for the weekend, this pasta dish proves that dinner can be both easy and unforgettable.

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