Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken and rich flavors in a creamy sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this pasta dish is easy to prepare and boasts an explosion of Cajun spices complemented by smooth Velveeta cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup cubed Velveeta cheese
- ½ cup Velveeta cheese, for melting over chicken
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Chopped parsley or dried herbs, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve pasta water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sear seasoned chicken until golden brown; add garlic and Velveeta until melted.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté remaining garlic, then add cream and broth; whisk in cream cheese.
- Stir in cheeses until smooth; adjust seasoning.
- Toss cooked rigatoni with the sauce; use reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve topped with Cajun chicken and garnish as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 895
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1090mg
- Fat: 55g
- Saturated Fat: 31g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
Keywords: For added spice, increase the Cajun seasoning or include red pepper flakes. Substitute other proteins like turkey or beef if preferred. Incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.