Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 120 ml (½ cup) of pasta water.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Place the chicken strips in a bowl and toss with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. The chicken should be evenly coated with spices.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained rigatoni. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy Cajun sauce.

Step 8: Final Taste

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty Level: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

Lighter Version

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter sauce.

Shrimp Option

Replace chicken with shrimp for a Cajun shrimp rigatoni. Cook shrimp quickly and add at the end to avoid overcooking.

Extra Veggies

Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sauce for more color and nutrition.

Heat Level

Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to make the dish milder or spicier to your preference.

Serving Suggestions