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Cajun Garlic Rigatoni

Indulge in creamy Cajun Garlic Rigatoni with bold flavors and velvety cheese sauce. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings, this 35-minute dish is easy to make and unforgettable to taste.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 750
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (plus more if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 10 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot with lid
  • Colander
  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Pat chicken dry, season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, add chicken in a single layer, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until golden-brown.
  4. Remove chicken and cover loosely to keep warm.
  5. Lower heat to medium, melt remaining butter in the skillet, add garlic, and stir for about a minute.
  6. Pour in heavy cream, milk, and chicken broth; bring to a gentle simmer and whisk in Velveeta until smooth, then add mozzarella and Parmesan.
  7. Toss the drained rigatoni in the sauce, thinning if necessary with reserved pasta water, and adjust seasoning.
  8. Let pasta simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes, then plate with chicken on the side and garnish with parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 750kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 42gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This dish is perfect for potlucks and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
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