Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

This irresistible creamy Cajun chicken pasta with garlic cheese sauce is bold, rich, and packed with southern flavor—an ultimate comfort dinner ready in just 30 minutes.

When you’re craving something rich, bold, and unapologetically flavorful, this creamy Cajun chicken pasta with garlic cheese sauce checks all the boxes. Tender pasta tossed in a cheesy, garlicky sauce and topped with seared Cajun-spiced chicken—it’s everything a comforting dinner should be.

This dish reminds us of the kind of cozy, satisfying meal you’d serve after a long day. If you’re into bold flavors like this, you’ll love this creamy mushroom soup from tinsuf.com, which also uses pantry staples to deliver a luxurious taste with little effort.

Let’s dive into this southern-inspired favorite that combines the kick of Cajun seasoning with the indulgence of a creamy cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this creamy Cajun chicken pasta with garlic cheese sauce:

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (+ extra for topping)

• 3 cups milk

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon chopped parsley, for garnish

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

If you enjoy hearty pasta dishes like this one, try this pineapple layer cake glaze recipe on tinsuf.com for a sweet follow-up to your savory dinner.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pasta

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.

• Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

• While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add the chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd) and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes per side.

• Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cheese Sauce

• In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter.

• Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

• Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes.

• Slowly add milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

• Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).

• Lower the heat and add heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Stir until fully melted and creamy.

• Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

• Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.

• Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

• Sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese on top.

• Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.

• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!

Irresistible Tips to Perfect Your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

 Make it Spicier:

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for extra heat.

 Cheese Swap:

• You can substitute gruyère, sharp cheddar, or even fontina for a deeper cheese flavor.

 Use Leftover Chicken:

• Got rotisserie chicken? Shred it and toss into the sauce to save time!

 Add Veggies:

• Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the garlic for more texture and nutrition.

 Pasta Options:

• Try penne, ziti, or fettuccine—this sauce works with almost any pasta shape.

For a lighter dinner pairing, check out this easy creamy cucumber salad on tinsuf.com—refreshing and crisp next to this rich pasta.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze individual portions (without parsley garnish) for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Warm in the oven or skillet with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long—it may cause the sauce to separate.

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 6 generous portions

Tools Used

• Large pot for pasta

• Skillet or sauté pan

• Mixing spoons & whisk

• Baking dish (9×13 inch)

• Measuring cups & spoons

• Garlic press (optional)

Final Thoughts

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta brings out the best of bold southern flavors with a creamy, cheesy twist that never fails to impress. The balance between spice, richness, and gooey cheese makes it a dish that hits all the right notes. It’s also family-friendly, flexible, and perfect for weekly meal prep.

Serve it on its own, or pair it with something light and fresh like a cucumber salad or steamed green beans. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a casual dinner party, this pasta will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Looking for another creamy pasta idea? This guide from Delish (nofollow) offers another take on Cajun-style comfort food.

TINSUF RECIPES

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce

A rich and creamy Cajun-style pasta loaded with juicy chicken, rigatoni, and garlic cheese sauce. Baked to perfection for a cozy and flavorful meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 620

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese + extra for topping
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Equipment
• Large pot
• Skillet
• Baking dish (9x13)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• - Whisk
• Knife & cutting board

Method

 

1. - Instructions:
2. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta al dente, drain, and set aside.
3. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Heat 1 tbsp oil in skillet, cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
5. In same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
6. Stir in flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and broth.
7. Simmer sauce until slightly thickened. Add cream, cheeses, salt & pepper.
8. Add pasta and chicken to sauce, stir well.
9. Transfer mixture to baking dish. Top with extra cheese.
10. Bake 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
11. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

- Notes:
• Substitute pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine.
• For extra heat, add cayenne or chili flakes.
• Store up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.