Looking for a bold and cheesy twist on comfort food? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is packed with smoky heat, juicy chicken, and melt-in-your-mouth cheese. It strikes the perfect balance between creamy richness and Cajun spice, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

With every bite, you get crispy, blackened chicken paired with velvety garlic-infused mozzarella sauce, all tangled in tender rigatoni pasta. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to pull together. If you’re craving a dinner that’s as impressive as it is comforting, this dish delivers in every way.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

Perfectly seasoned with bold Cajun spices
Creamy garlic mozzarella sauce that’s totally dreamy
Crispy pan-seared chicken on top
One-pan sauce, easy cleanup
Customizable heat level for every palate

Whether you’re a fan of spicy chicken pasta or simply love cheesy comfort food, this recipe is sure to be on repeat.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They’re easy to pan-sear to golden perfection and slice beautifully over the pasta. You could also use boneless thighs for extra juiciness or even pre-cooked shredded chicken if you’re short on time. Just be sure to generously coat with Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Let’s dive into the flavorful components that bring this dish to life.

Rigatoni Pasta: Perfectly sturdy and tubular to hold all that luscious creamy sauce.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, seared until crispy and juicy, seasoned heavily with Cajun spices.

Cajun Seasoning: The star of the show, delivering a smoky, spicy punch that transforms simple ingredients.

Garlic Cloves: Adds aromatic depth and blends beautifully with the cream and cheese.

Mozzarella Cheese: The melt factor—this cheese gives the sauce that irresistible stretch and creaminess.

Parmesan Cheese: Boosts flavor and adds a savory finish to the sauce.

Heavy Cream: Creates the rich, velvety base for the garlic mozzarella sauce.

Butter & Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and building a buttery foundation.

Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the sauce and balancing the spice.

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

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

In the same skillet, melt additional butter if needed. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in shredded mozzarella and parmesan until fully melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss until fully coated. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Plate and Top

Slice the rested chicken and layer over the creamy rigatoni. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot!

Serving and Storing Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

This dish serves 4 to 5 people and is best enjoyed fresh when the cheese is melty and the sauce is silky. But leftovers? Still fabulous.

To store, place the cooled pasta and chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creaminess without breaking the sauce.

What to Serve With This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Here are some bold and refreshing pairings that go great with this dish:

Grilled Corn on the Cob

A bit of sweetness and char from grilled corn balances the spicy, creamy pasta perfectly.

Garlic Breadsticks

Soak up every drop of that garlic mozzarella sauce with soft, buttery breadsticks.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine and tangy Caesar dressing bring a refreshing contrast.

Roasted Green Beans

Simple, oven-roasted beans offer a crunchy and healthy sidekick.

Avocado Tomato Salad

Cool and creamy avocado paired with juicy tomatoes keeps the plate light and colorful.

Baked Zucchini Fries

Crispy, herby, and just light enough to serve alongside a rich pasta dish.

Sautéed Bell Peppers

Colorful and slightly sweet peppers add a nice bite and visual appeal.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce, here are more chicken pasta meals packed with comfort and flavor:

Creamy Ground Chicken Pasta for a one-skillet dinner with a creamy kick.
Easy Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti is rich, cheesy, and baked to perfection.
Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake brings all your favorite parm flavors in one pan.
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta is perfect for creamy veggie lovers.
Spicy Chipotle Chicken Penne when you want bold flavor and a little heat.

These recipes are great for easy dinners, meal prep, or when you’re craving something hearty.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest pasta board to come back to it any time.

If you gave this a try, let me know in the comments! Did you go for extra cheese? More Cajun spice? Maybe swapped rigatoni for penne?

Your spin makes it better, and I love hearing how others make it their own. Got questions? Drop them below!

For even more cozy, spicy, and family-friendly meals, explore NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Author: Nora
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Bold, creamy, and loaded with flavor, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the ultimate comfort food dinner. It brings together juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta, and a rich garlic mozzarella cream sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you need a quick weeknight recipe, a cozy pasta idea, or something indulgent yet easy, this dish ticks all the boxes. It’s spicy, cheesy, and perfect for anyone craving bold dinner ideas, pasta recipes with a twist, or just a hearty, satisfying meal.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and rest before slicing.

4. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Mix until sauce is smooth and creamy.

6. Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, stirring to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Slice the rested chicken and place on top of the creamy rigatoni. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or use hot Cajun seasoning.

Try it with penne or fettuccine if you don’t have rigatoni on hand.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 690
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 41g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, Cajun chicken, chicken pasta, comfort food, weeknight dinner