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Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo

Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo

Craving a restaurant‑worthy pasta you can whip up on a busy weeknight? This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo delivers tender, Cajun‑seared chicken, al dente rigatoni, and a velvety mozzarella Alfredo that clings to every bite. It’s a bold, cozy, easy dinner that doubles as a great meal‑prep idea—perfect for quick weeknight meals, pasta lovers, and anyone hunting for easy recipes, dinner ideas, and comfort‑food wins.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Cajun-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 760 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Tongs
  • Chef’s knife

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 12 oz rigatoni
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts about 2
  • 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup red bell pepper, diced about 1 small pepper
  • 1.5 cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 cup low‑moisture mozzarella, shredded about 6 oz
  • 0.5 cup reserved pasta water use as needed to loosen sauce
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan optional, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain.
  • Pat chicken dry; season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F). Rest 5 minutes; slice.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add butter; sauté garlic and bell pepper 2–3 minutes.
  • Stir in heavy cream; simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Add mozzarella in handfuls, stirring until smooth. Loosen with pasta water as needed.
  • Toss in rigatoni and sliced chicken. Finish with parsley (and Parmesan). Serve hot.

Notes

For extra heat, add cayenne or red pepper flakes. If reheating, whisk in a splash of warm milk or pasta water to bring back creaminess.

Nutrition

Calories: 760kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 45gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 170mgSodium: 990mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 18IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 15mg
Keyword creamy mozzarella alfredo, easy dinner, pasta recipe, spicy chicken pasta, weeknight meal
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