Description
A rich and creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni made with tender chicken, bold Cajun spices, and a velvety Velveeta cream sauce. This one-pan pasta dish is bursting with flavor and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 6 oz (170g) Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Season chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper into the butter mixture and stir well.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Velveeta cubes and stir until melted and smooth. Mix in Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss in the cooked rigatoni. Stir well to coat evenly with sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until everything is hot and well combined.
- Garnish with parsley and optional red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Substitute Velveeta with cream cheese or shredded cheddar for variation.
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American