Mozzarella Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Garlic Cheese Sauce
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Mozzarella Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Garlic Cheese Sauce. This delightful dish combines tender chicken with a zesty Cajun kick and a velvety cheese sauce that clings to each piece of rigatoni. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this comfort food classic is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. With easy preparation steps and a variety of pairing options, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and comforting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper until fully coated.
- In a large skillet or pot, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth; stir constantly until smooth; bring to a simmer.
- Lower heat and stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Mix in mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese; stir until melted and season with salt to taste.
- Add cooked pasta and sautéed chicken into the sauce; stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle extra mozzarella on top, and bake in preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until bubbling.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg