Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a bold, flavorful pasta dish featuring spicy Cajun chicken, al dente rigatoni, and a rich garlic-infused mozzarella cream sauce. A perfect weeknight comfort meal with a Southern twist, ready to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 chicken breasts
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat with Cajun seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and sear until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
4. Lower heat, add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant.
5. Whisk in flour to form a roux.
6. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened.
7. Stir in mozzarella cheese until smooth and melted.
8. Return chicken and rigatoni to the skillet. Toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for smoother melting.
Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Southern & Italian)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg