Description
Rigatoni in Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo with Cajun Chicken is a luxurious dinner recipe featuring bold Cajun-spiced chicken served over creamy herb-laced Alfredo rigatoni. The pasta is tossed in a rich Parmesan sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs, making every bite irresistibly flavorful. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings restaurant-quality comfort food straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian herb blend (oregano, basil, thyme)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Pat dry the chicken and season with Cajun spice.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let it rest.
3. Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
4. In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
6. Add Parmesan, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy.
7. Add rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat.
8. Slice the rested chicken.
9. Plate pasta, top with chicken, garnish with parsley.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Sear the chicken without overcrowding the pan to ensure a crisp crust.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a silkier sauce.
Adjust Cajun spice levels based on heat preference—add extra for a kick or use mild for family-friendly flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: cajun alfredo, creamy rigatoni, cheesy pasta, weeknight dinner