Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Velveeta Garlic Cream Sauce

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Imagine diving into a rich, cheesy plate of pasta where every bite delivers a perfect balance of bold Cajun spice and creamy, indulgent comfort. This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Velveeta Garlic Cream Sauce isn’t your average weeknight meal. It’s a flavor-packed feast that feels like a celebration in every forkful.

The blackened Cajun chicken brings the heat, the rigatoni delivers that satisfying al dente bite, and the silky Velveeta garlic cream sauce smooths everything over with its luscious texture. Finished with a sprinkle of herbs and a whisper of parmesan, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

This recipe hits all the comfort food high notes: spicy, cheesy, creamy, and hearty. The seared Cajun chicken offers a beautiful contrast to the velvety sauce, and the pasta soaks up every delicious drop. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a flavorful dinner, this rigatoni dish will impress without being overly complicated.

Plus, it’s versatile enough to scale up for meal prep or dress down for a quick dinner. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s bound to become one of your go-to favorites.

What Kind of Rigatoni or Chicken Should I Use?

You can use any rigatoni, but bronze-cut or ridged varieties work best—they hold onto that luscious sauce beautifully. As for the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Chicken thighs will offer more flavor and juiciness, while breasts give you a leaner bite. You can even use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time, though nothing beats freshly seared Cajun-seasoned pieces.

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Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Velveeta Garlic Cream Sauce

Each ingredient in this bold, creamy pasta recipe is chosen for maximum flavor and mouthfeel.

• Rigatoni Pasta: The large tubes are perfect for capturing the creamy garlic sauce.
• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Boneless and skinless, seasoned generously with Cajun spice for heat and depth.
• Cajun Seasoning: This spice blend brings the smoky, spicy punch that defines the dish.
• Velveeta Cheese: The key to a smooth, ultra-creamy sauce that clings to every bite.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and body to the sauce.
• Garlic (minced): For that essential savory aromatic base.
• Olive Oil & Butter: Used to sear the chicken and sauté the garlic, adding flavor and golden color.
• Parmesan Cheese: For added sharpness and a finishing flourish.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the richness of the sauce with fresh herbal notes.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To season and balance flavors.

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How To Make the Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Velveeta Garlic Cream Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Generously coat your chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning. Heat a mix of olive oil and butter in a skillet, then sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 2: Boil the Rigatoni

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Make the Velveeta Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Once warmed, add in cubed Velveeta and stir until completely melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen it. Stir in a handful of grated parmesan and chopped parsley.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Top the creamy pasta with your blackened Cajun chicken pieces. Sprinkle extra parsley or parmesan to finish. Serve hot and enjoy the flavor explosion!

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Serving and Storing Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Velveeta Garlic Cream Sauce

This recipe comfortably feeds 4 hungry people, but it can be easily doubled for a larger group or leftovers. Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and velvety for the best texture and flavor.

For storing, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. While it can be frozen, note that the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly.

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What to Serve With Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

The perfect partner to soak up that extra sauce. Go classic or try a cheesy garlic loaf.

Roasted Broccoli

The slightly charred florets balance out the creaminess and spice of the pasta.

Caesar Salad

A crisp, tangy Caesar adds refreshing contrast to the rich main dish.

Cornbread Muffins

Southern-style cornbread muffins offer a sweet-savory balance.

Green Beans Almondine

Bright and buttery, this side dish is simple yet elegant.

Grilled Asparagus

Adds freshness and a bit of charred bite to the meal.

Fried Zucchini Chips

Crispy, golden, and a fun crunchy side to round out the meal.

Simple Cucumber Salad

Cool, crisp, and a great way to tame the Cajun heat.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni, you’ll definitely want to explore more bold and comforting pasta dishes like these:

• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a meaty twist on a creamy classic.
• Buffalo Chicken Lasagna if you want your pasta to kick it up a notch.
• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a vegetarian, comfort-forward option.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta for romance-worthy creamy decadence.
• Garlic Butter Meatballs with Parmesan Penne for bite-sized flavor bombs in a luscious sauce.

These dishes are packed with personality and perfect for anyone who loves a satisfying pasta night.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And when you make it, let me know how it turned out. Did you turn up the Cajun heat or mellow it down? Add your twist or stick to the classic?

I’d love to hear what you did—questions welcome in the comments, too!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and dinner inspirations on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorites!

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