🍝🔥 Cajun Chicken Rigatoni 🔥🍝
Ingredients 🛒:
For the pasta and chicken:
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus extra to taste)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the creamy sauce:
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions 🧑🍳:
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10–11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Season and cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Build the creamy base: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add cheese and spice: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained rigatoni. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Taste and finish: Taste and adjust seasoning—add more Cajun seasoning if you like it spicier. Let it all simmer for 1–2 more minutes for the flavors to meld together.
Serve and enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you like.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 10 mins | 🔥 Cooking Time: 20 mins | ⏳ Total Time: 30 mins
⚡ Calories per serving: ~550 | 🍽️ Serves: 4
#recipes