Description
Creamy Rigatoni Alfredo with Cajun Chicken Strips is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich, creamy flavors with a zesty twist. This dish features tender, Cajun-seasoned chicken strips nestled in a velvety Alfredo sauce made from a delightful blend of cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup cubed Velveeta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Rigatoni pasta
- Chopped parsley or dried herbs, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. In a skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown; add garlic and remaining butter during the last minute.
- In the same skillet, melt the rest of the butter and sauté garlic. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth; simmer gently.
- Whisk in cream cheese until smooth, then add Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and thickened.
- Combine cooked rigatoni with the sauce; adjust consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve topped with Cajun chicken strips and garnish as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing/Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 160mg