Cajun Chicken Rigatoni
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Add the cooked rigatoni and chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy Cajun sauce.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~550 per serving