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Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

A creamy and spicy pasta dish that's ready in under 40 minutes, Cajun Chicken Rigatoni blends bold flavors with tender chicken for a weeknight favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach or kale
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boiling point. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
  2. Before draining, scoop out a full cup of pasta water and set it aside.
  3. In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set it aside.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add sliced red bell pepper and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add drained rigatoni, tossing gently to coat.
  7. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The dish can be reheated with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.