Go Back

Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Cheesy Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni is a bold, comforting pasta dish made with crispy Cajun-seasoned chicken and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 25 minutesTotal Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4Cuisine: American / Cajun-InspiredCourse: Main CourseMethod: StovetopKeyword: Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

Print Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • Salt for pasta water
  • Cajun Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Cheesy Parmesan Sauce
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika optional
  • Reserved pasta water as needed

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
  2. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden, crispy, and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  7. Add cooked pasta and crispy chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.