Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni: Amazing Flavor

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Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni has become my go-to weeknight meal, and I’m so excited to share it with you! This dish is pure comfort in a bowl, with perfectly cooked rigatoni swimming in a luscious, creamy garlic sauce. The chicken, seasoned with a bold Cajun blend, adds a fantastic savory and spicy kick that just makes everything sing. I first tried making this creamy Cajun chicken rigatoni spicy version after a trip to New Orleans, and I’ve been tweaking it ever since to get that perfect balance of heat and richness. Get ready for a meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

• It’s incredibly quick, perfect for busy weeknights.
• The Velveeta garlic cream sauce is decadently rich and satisfying.
• Cajun-seasoned chicken adds a fantastic spicy kick.
• This Spicy Cajun Rigatoni with Chicken comes together in about 30 minutes.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s comforting and flavorful.
• You get a delicious balance of creamy, spicy, and savory.
• This Cajun Chicken Pasta with Spicy Sauce is a guaranteed hit for family dinners.
• Minimal cleanup makes it an even better weeknight option!

Ingredients for Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making this amazing Cajun Chicken Rigatoni recipe easy. You’ll need the basics for a great pasta dish, plus some Cajun flair!

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz rigatoni pasta – the perfect shape to catch all that sauce
• 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed – this is key for that luscious, creamy sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream – adds richness and a smooth texture
• 1 bulb roasted garlic (or 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced) – for a deep, savory garlic flavor
• 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning – this is where the spicy magic happens!
• 1 tablespoon butter – for sautéing the aromatics
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – helps sear the chicken beautifully
• ½ teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – a little extra spice
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional) – for a fresh garnish

How to Make Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

1. Step 1: Let’s get started! First, prepare your chicken. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss these tasty morsels with 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss to coat everything evenly.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear it for about 4–6 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust and that the chicken is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Step 3: Time for the pasta! Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente – tender but with a slight bite. Before draining, be sure to reserve about ½ cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s liquid gold for our sauce! Then, drain the pasta well.
4. Step 4: Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and your minced garlic (or roasted garlic paste). Sauté for just about 30 seconds until you can smell that wonderful garlicky aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Once it’s lightly bubbling, add the 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed. Stir continuously until the Velveeta is completely melted and the sauce is wonderfully smooth and creamy. This is where our Spicy Rigatoni Cajun Style Chicken starts to transform!
6. Step 6: Add the drained rigatoni pasta directly into the skillet with the luscious Velveeta garlic sauce. Toss everything together gently, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in that glorious sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick for your liking, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
7. Step 7: Now, return the cooked Cajun chicken to the skillet with the sauced pasta. Give it a final gentle toss to combine everything, or simply arrange the chicken pieces on top of the pasta for a beautiful presentation.
8. Step 8: For a lovely finishing touch, garnish with 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Cajun seasoning if you’re feeling bold. Serve this delicious Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni hot and enjoy every creamy, spicy bite!

Pro Tips for the Best Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

Want to elevate your Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni game? These little tricks will ensure your pasta is always perfect and packed with flavor.

• Don’t skip reserving that pasta water! It’s the secret to a silky, smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the rigatoni.
• When searing the chicken, ensure your skillet is hot before adding it. This creates a delicious crust and locks in the juices.
• If you love extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cream sauce.
• For an even richer flavor, try using roasted garlic instead of fresh; it adds a wonderfully mellow and sweet garlic note.

What’s the secret to perfect Spicy Cajun Rigatoni with Chicken?

The key is building layers of flavor. Start with well-seasoned chicken, cook the pasta al dente, and use the starchy pasta water to emulsify the Velveeta and cream sauce into a smooth, clingy coating for every strand of rigatoni. Learn more about cooking techniques.

Can I make Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead of time! Cook the chicken and pasta separately, and make the sauce. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add the pasta and chicken, and thin with a little milk or reserved pasta water if needed. Check out our privacy policy for more information on data handling.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Rigatoni with Cajun seasoning?

Avoid overcooking the pasta – it will become mushy when reheated. Also, be careful not to scorch the garlic; sauté it gently over medium heat. Finally, don’t overmix the sauce once the Velveeta is added, as it can sometimes break if agitated too much. For more tips, visit our contact page.

Best Ways to Serve Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

This rich and flavorful Cajun Chicken Rigatoni dish is a hearty meal on its own, but a few simple sides can make it even more special. For a complete meal, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Steamed broccoli or asparagus also make wonderful, healthy additions that complement the spicy, savory notes of the pasta. You can find great salad recipes on many recipe sites.

You could also serve this Spicy Cajun Rigatoni with Chicken with some crusty garlic bread for soaking up any extra sauce. It’s a fantastic meal for a cozy night in or for entertaining friends who appreciate a little spice! For more entertaining ideas, see our homepage.

Nutrition Facts for Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving for this delicious Cajun Chicken Rigatoni dish. Keep in mind these are estimates, and your exact values might vary slightly based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. For detailed nutritional information, consult a registered dietitian or a reliable source like the MyFitnessPal database.

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 960mg
• Protein: 38g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

Leftovers of this amazing Easy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with spice are just as delicious, but proper storage is key to keeping it tasting great. First, always let the pasta cool down completely at room temperature for about an hour. Once cooled, transfer the Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. For more storage tips, refer to our affiliate disclaimer.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is simple. From the fridge, you can gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave individual servings until heated through, stirring halfway. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first for the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

What’s the best way to reheat leftover Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni?

To reheat this delicious Spicy Cajun Rigatoni with Chicken, I find the stovetop works best. Gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or a bit of reserved pasta water helps revive the creamy sauce. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent the sauce from breaking.

Can I make this Spicy Cajun Rigatoni Cajun Style Chicken dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily make this a vegetarian delight. Simply omit the chicken and boost the veggie components. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even some white beans to the sauce. You’ll still get that amazing creamy, spicy Cajun flavor without the meat.

How much spice is in this Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Velveeta sauce?

This recipe has a nice, noticeable kick thanks to the Cajun seasoning and the general nature of Cajun cuisine. The Velveeta garlic cream sauce balances the heat beautifully, making it creamy and comforting. If you prefer it milder, start with a little less Cajun seasoning and add more to taste. For extra heat, I often add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to my sauce!

Is this considered a spicy chicken pasta Cajun style bake?

While this recipe is a stovetop pasta dish, you could adapt it into a bake! After combining the pasta, sauce, and chicken, transfer it to a baking dish, top with cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly. This would give you a lovely cheesy, baked version of the spicy chicken pasta Cajun style.

Variations of Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni You Can Try

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni spicy dish is fantastic as is, but it’s also super versatile! If you’re looking to switch things up or cater to different dietary needs, here are a few ideas.

• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and load up on veggies! Sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini add great texture and flavor. You could even add some white beans for extra protein.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in some steamed broccoli florets or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking the pasta. It adds color and extra nutrients to your Spicy Rigatoni Cajun Style Chicken.
• Lighter Version: For a slightly lighter take, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap some of the Velveeta for a lower-fat cream cheese. It will still be creamy and delicious!
• Extra Spicy Kick: If you love heat, definitely add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the cream sauce. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish for an extra punch.

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