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–+ servings

Cajun Garlic Rigatoni

Discover the rich and creamy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rigatoni, a comforting blend of tender chicken, bold spices, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for any occasion!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 640
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into thick bite-size strips
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • q.s. Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 18 oz rigatoni
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 6 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 1/2 cups Velveeta, cubed
  • 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning to tie flavor
  • q.s. A small splash of reserved pasta water, if needed
  • q.s. Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente, about 10-12 minutes, reserving a splash of pasta water before draining.
  2. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then cook in a skillet with olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium, add 3 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  4. Add heavy cream and milk to the skillet, warming through, then whisk in cream cheese until melted.
  5. Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and Velveeta until melted and smooth, adjusting thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.
  6. Add cooked rigatoni and chicken back to the skillet, mixing to coat the pasta and chicken in the sauce.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 46gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 950mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This dish is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. The combination of spicy Cajun seasoning, savory garlic, and a luscious cream sauce is absolutely divine. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for those who aren’t seasoned chefs.
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