30-Minute Recipe: Indulge in Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni Now!
30-Minute Miracle: Enjoy Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni Tonight!
Looking for a dish that’s both quick to prepare and bursting with bold flavors? Meet your new weeknight hero—Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni. With juicy chicken, a spicy kick, and velvety sauce clinging to every piece of pasta, this recipe promises decadent comfort in just half an hour. Perfect for busy evenings or impromptu gatherings, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings without keeping you in the kitchen all night.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Ready in 30 Minutes: From prep to plate, this recipe ensures you have a hearty meal on the table in no time.
- One-Pan Wonder: With minimal cleanup, you’ll spend less time at the sink and more time savoring every bite.
- Depth of Flavor: Cajun seasoning brings smoky, spicy notes that pair perfectly with creamy sauce and tender chicken.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 ounces rigatoni
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- Spice: 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- Aromatics: 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 small onion (chopped)
- Creamy Base: 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup chicken broth
- Cheese: ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Freshness: 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, toss chicken pieces with half the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken; brown on all sides and cook through (about 5–7 minutes). Transfer to a plate.
3. Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté onion and bell pepper until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic, cooking until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Lower heat to medium, then add heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir until smooth. Sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning and stir.
5. Combine
Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss until everything is evenly coated, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot!
Tips to Customize
- Heat Level: Add a pinch of cayenne for extra spice or reduce the Cajun seasoning for a milder version.
- Protein Swap: Try shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a twist.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.
A New Favorite, Fast!
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni is the perfect solution for those nights when you want something indulgent, but don’t have hours to spare. Its lush, spicy sauce and tender bites of chicken make every forkful a delight. Try it tonight and watch it become a staple in your dinner rotation!
