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Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella & Parmesan

Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella & Parmesan

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Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella & Parmesan is a delightful fusion of bold Cajun flavors and comforting pasta. This dish features tender chicken, enveloped in a creamy garlic butter sauce, perfectly balanced with the richness of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Ideal for both special occasions and weeknight dinners, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a meal that will leave your family and friends asking for more!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, or more for bolder flavor
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente (10-11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden (7-8 minutes), adding half the garlic in the last minute.
  3. Lower the heat, add remaining butter and garlic to the skillet, sauté briefly, then stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted, then mix in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
  5. Toss in cooked rigatoni; add reserved pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
  6. Serve topped with seared chicken and garnish with parsley.

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