Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo

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There’s something deeply satisfying about a spicy pasta dish that also delivers a comforting creamy richness. This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo is everything a weeknight dinner should be: bold, cheesy, filling, and surprisingly simple to throw together.

Rigatoni is the perfect choice here, with its ridges catching all that luscious sauce and juicy bits of spiced chicken. The Cajun heat mingles beautifully with the mellow richness of the mozzarella Alfredo, creating a mouthwatering balance that hits every craving at once.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

This dish is a total flavor bomb that combines fiery Cajun spices with a silky cheese sauce. It takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something special without a huge time commitment.

Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this rigatoni recipe delivers consistent, creamy comfort that reheats beautifully. Plus, you can adjust the heat level to suit your spice tolerance.

What Kind of Cajun Seasoning Should I Use?

The key to nailing the flavor is using a quality Cajun seasoning blend that has a balanced mix of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. You can make your own if you want to control the heat and salt levels, or pick up a store-bought version that you trust. Look for blends without MSG or fillers for a cleaner taste.

Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo

This pasta dish might taste like it came from a fancy restaurant, but the ingredients are straightforward and easy to find. Each one plays a big role in creating the deep, spicy-creamy flavor profile that defines this dish.

• Rigatoni pasta
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Cajun seasoning
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves
• Heavy cream
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Butter
• Fresh parsley

The rigatoni pasta holds onto the sauce beautifully. Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, making them a great choice for weeknight meals. Cajun seasoning adds the signature kick, while olive oil and butter help build the base of the sauce. Garlic brings a sharp aromatic layer. The creamy blend of heavy cream, mozzarella, and parmesan creates a luxurious Alfredo sauce with a stretchy, cheesy finish. A touch of salt and black pepper balance the flavors, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness.

How To Make the Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and toss them with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes before adding shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked rigatoni and chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything in the creamy sauce until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top and extra parmesan if desired. The dish is rich, spicy, and incredibly satisfying.

How to Serve and Store Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo

This recipe feeds about 4 hearty portions, but it’s also great for leftovers. Serve it straight from the skillet for a cozy family dinner or plate it up with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a slice of toasted garlic bread if you’re going for more of a restaurant vibe.

To store, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce and restore its silky texture.

You can also freeze this pasta, although the creamy sauce may change texture slightly. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly for the best results.

What to Serve With Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

A classic sidekick to creamy pasta, buttery garlic bread adds crunch and balances the spice.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons bring freshness and texture.

Roasted Broccoli

The charred edges and earthy flavor of roasted broccoli offer a welcome contrast to the rich Alfredo.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn, especially with Cajun butter, pairs beautifully with the boldness of the chicken rigatoni.

Sautéed Spinach

Quick and light, sautéed spinach is a nutritious side that keeps things balanced.

Bruschetta

The bright, acidic tomatoes and garlic in bruschetta refresh the palate between creamy bites.

Creamy Cucumber Salad

Cool and crisp, this salad cools the heat and complements the Cajun spice perfectly.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tangy carrots provide a vibrant, colorful side that adds a bit of surprise to your table.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Bold Twist?

If you can’t get enough of this spicy Cajun rigatoni, here are a few other pasta dishes that bring bold flavors and creamy comfort:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a smoky, savory take.
• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta when you’re craving that same Cajun heat in a flash.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for seafood lovers who like it rich and garlicky.
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli for an earthy vegetarian option.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine if you want something buttery, herby, and indulgent.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit this creamy, spicy pasta any time you crave something bold and comforting.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra Cajun spice? Maybe threw in some bell peppers or mushrooms? I love hearing the ways you customize it and make it your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and flavor-packed dishes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next favorite dinner!

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