🧄 Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Cajun Three-Cheese Sauce

 

🧄 Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Cajun Three-Cheese Sauce

If you’re craving the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy — this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Cajun Three-Cheese Sauce is about to become your new favorite comfort food. 💛

Imagine tender chicken tossed in buttery garlic, simmered in a luscious Cajun-spiced sauce made with three melty cheeses — Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar — coating every bite of rigatoni with rich, velvety perfection. It’s a restaurant-worthy pasta dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, all in under 30 minutes!

Whether you’re cooking for family, a date night, or just yourself after a long day, this pasta recipe delivers that cozy, flavor-packed satisfaction every time. Serve it with garlic bread and a glass of white wine, and you’ve got yourself a five-star meal without leaving the kitchen.

🕒 Ready in: 30 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 4–6

🔥 Skill level: Easy

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🧺 Ingredients

For the pasta:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the creamy three-cheese sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup sharp cheddar

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Rigatoni
   Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Sauté the Chicken
   In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
   Add chicken, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce
   In the same pan, melt butter. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
   Slowly whisk in cream until smooth. Add Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar. Stir until melted and creamy.

4. Combine Everything
   Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss gently until coated.
   Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

5. Serve Hot & Garnish
   Sprinkle with fresh parsley or extra cheese. Serve immediately for the creamiest, dreamiest Cajun pasta ever!

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🍷 Serving Suggestions

Pair with:

• Garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad

• A crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)

• Extra Cajun seasoning for spice lovers

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.

• Add bell peppers or spinach for color and nutrition.

• Swap heavy cream for evaporated milk for a lighter version.