This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the kind of soul-warming comfort food that speaks to both pasta lovers and spice seekers. With juicy, pan-seared chicken cutlets coated in a rich Cajun seasoning, nestled over a bed of rigatoni smothered in a garlicky, cheesy mozzarella sauce, this dish brings bold Southern flavor straight to your dinner table.

The best part? It strikes the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy indulgence with just the right kick of heat from the Cajun spices. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or want to impress guests with a restaurant-worthy meal, this pasta dish delivers big on taste with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Bold Flavor Explosion: The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a smoky, spicy crust that pairs beautifully with the creamy, garlicky sauce.
Comfort in Every Bite: Rich mozzarella cheese and cream create a velvety sauce that hugs every piece of rigatoni.
Satisfying Texture: Crunchy chicken crust, stretchy cheese, and al dente pasta offer layers of texture that elevate every bite.
Easy but Impressive: Ready in under an hour, this meal feels gourmet without keeping you in the kitchen all evening.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Cast-Iron or Heavy Skillet: Ideal for searing the chicken to a perfect golden-brown crust.
Large Saucepan: Needed for boiling the rigatoni until perfectly al dente.
Medium Saucepan: For preparing the creamy garlic mozzarella sauce without burning the cheese.
Tongs or Spatula: Helps flip the chicken evenly and gently mix the pasta and sauce.
Whisk: Crucial for ensuring your sauce is lump-free and smooth.

Each of these tools plays a role in making sure every component of this recipe is cooked to perfection. Using cast-iron allows for even browning of the chicken, while a whisk ensures your garlic cheese sauce turns out velvety and luscious.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Chicken Breasts: Thinly sliced, seasoned with Cajun spice and pan-seared until golden.
Rigatoni Pasta: The ideal shape for holding creamy sauce inside its ridges and tubes.
Mozzarella Cheese: For that stretchy, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth sauce.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and silkiness to the garlic sauce.
Garlic (minced): Brings deep flavor and aromatic punch to the sauce.
Butter: Used to sauté the garlic and create a base for the sauce.
Cajun Seasoning: Spicy and smoky, it creates the signature flavor crust on the chicken.
Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh green finish.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning balance.

Each ingredient has a role to play in flavor, texture, and aroma. High-quality mozzarella and cream are key to achieving that luscious sauce, while Cajun spice is what gives this dish its signature character.

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high with a touch of oil and sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice.

Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni

In a large saucepan, boil salted water and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, whisking as it simmers. Add shredded mozzarella in batches, stirring until smooth and melted. If too thick, loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained rigatoni into the sauce and toss gently to coat. Let it simmer for a minute so the pasta absorbs some of the sauce.

Step 5: Plate and Top with Chicken

Plate the creamy rigatoni and arrange the sliced Cajun chicken on top. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

This dish is best served immediately while the mozzarella sauce is hot and stretchy. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. For storage, let the pasta cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream while warming over low heat to keep the sauce smooth.