Description

Turn up the heat on your dinner routine with this Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni smothered in a rich Velveeta garlic cream sauce. This easy dinner recipe is a flavor-packed fusion of smoky Cajun spice and cheesy pasta perfection. It’s perfect for quick weeknight meals, dinner ideas with a twist, or when you’re craving something creamy and comforting. Whether you’re into spicy chicken pasta or just looking for new food ideas, this dish is a must-try in your collection of easy recipes.

Ingredients

1 pound rigatoni pasta

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Season chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, then sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In a large pot, boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

4. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream and stir, then add Velveeta cubes. Stir until melted and smooth.

6. Toss cooked rigatoni into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

7. Mix in Parmesan cheese and parsley.

8. Add chicken back to the skillet. Mix or top as desired.

9. Garnish with more parsley or Parmesan and serve hot.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier bites; chicken breasts for a leaner dish.

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra kick or adjust Cajun spice to your preference.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Cajun Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 720
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: cajun chicken pasta, spicy rigatoni, Velveeta cream sauce, easy dinner, chicken pasta recipe