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Creamy Rigatoni Alfredo Cajun

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Experience a delicious blend of Cajun spices and creamy alfredo sauce in this comforting rigatoni dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into thick strips
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Chopped fresh parsley or dried herbs, for garnish
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
  • 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 1/2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Salt the water and cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining and toss lightly with olive oil.
  2. Season the Chicken: Pat chicken strips dry and season evenly with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, then remove and cover to keep warm.
  4. Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat and add remaining butter and half of the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté briefly before returning chicken to the skillet.
  5. Create the Sauce: Melt remaining butter, add leftover garlic, and stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer gently and whisk in cream cheese until blended.
  6. Incorporate the Cheeses: Add Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss drained rigatoni back into the skillet, coating in the sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
  8. Finish with Chicken: Nestle Cajun chicken over pasta and garnish with parsley or dried herbs.

Notes

For a healthier alternative, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt and use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://goandweb.com/creamy-rigatoni-alfredo-cajun/