Indulge in a comforting plate of Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce—a dish that brings bold Cajun spice together with creamy, cheesy luxury. Imagine tender chicken seared with smoky Cajun seasoning, tossed with al dente rigatoni, and cloaked in a velvety garlic mozzarella sauce. It’s a recipe that balances heat and richness, perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive date-night meal.

This pasta is not just satisfying—it’s a complete flavor experience. The Cajun seasoning creates warmth, while the garlic mozzarella sauce adds a decadent layer of creaminess that keeps you reaching for another forkful. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or crave indulgent pasta dishes, this rigatoni will absolutely win a place on your dinner rotation.

What Kind of Cajun Seasoning Should I Use?

The seasoning blend is what makes this dish sing. A store-bought Cajun seasoning works beautifully, but if you love customizing flavors, try making your own. A mix of smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme will give you the perfect punch. Adjust the heat level to suit your family’s taste—milder if you’re serving kids, bolder if you love spice.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Rigatoni Pasta – The ridges hold onto the creamy sauce, making every bite flavorful.
Chicken Breasts – Lean and tender, they absorb the Cajun spices beautifully.
Cajun Seasoning – Adds smoky heat and depth of flavor.
Olive Oil & Butter – Used for searing the chicken and building richness in the sauce.
Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves give the sauce its savory backbone.
Heavy Cream – Creates the luscious creamy base.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts into a silky, stretchy sauce that pairs perfectly with the Cajun spices.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds sharpness and depth to balance the mozzarella.
Chicken Broth – Keeps the sauce from becoming too heavy while adding savory notes.
Fresh Parsley – A bright garnish to cut through the richness.

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry, then coat them generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet, let it rest, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Base

In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. This step infuses the base of your sauce with a deep, savory flavor.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute. Stir in the heavy cream, followed by shredded mozzarella and parmesan. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked rigatoni into the skillet, tossing to coat every piece of pasta in the luscious sauce. Nestle in the sliced Cajun chicken, letting it soak up some of the garlicky cream.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh parsley for brightness and a sprinkle of extra parmesan if you love cheese. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy, spicy, cheesy pasta perfection.

Serving and Storing Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh while the mozzarella sauce is silky and hot. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

For make-ahead convenience, you can cook the rigatoni and chicken in advance, then prepare the sauce fresh when ready to serve. This ensures the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t dry out.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

A classic pairing that lets you scoop up every bit of the creamy sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers for a fresh, healthy contrast.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons balance the richness of the pasta.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil add a refreshing Italian touch.

Sauteed Green Beans

Simple, buttery beans bring brightness to the bold Cajun flavors.

Bruschetta

Tomato, basil, and garlic on toasted bread make a light and flavorful starter.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Start your meal with another comfort classic that pairs beautifully with pasta.

A Glass of Chardonnay

The buttery, lightly oaked notes in Chardonnay complement the creamy sauce.

Want More Pasta Ideas with Bold Flavor?

If this Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce has you craving more pasta goodness, you’ll love these recipes too:

Skillet Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta for another Cajun-inspired twist.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan if you’re craving buttery garlic richness.
Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta for layers of smoky, creamy flavor.
Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta when you need a weeknight-friendly dinner fast.
One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta if you love hearty one-pan meals.

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And when you give it a try, let me know in the comments how it turned out! Did you make it extra spicy? Add veggies for more texture? I love hearing your creative twists.

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