Cheddar Garlic Chicken Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Cheddar Garlic Chicken Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce, a dish that promises to delight your taste buds with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. This recipe combines tender chicken and perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta enveloped in a luscious Parmesan sauce, accented by the savory notes of garlic and a hint of Cajun spice. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, this comforting meal is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to fit your preferences. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can serve up a hearty dinner that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, toss cubed chicken with olive oil and Cajun seasoning.
- Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook chicken until golden brown (6-8 minutes) and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour to create a roux; cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk and chicken broth, stirring until smooth; bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan and cheddar cheese until melted; season with salt.
- Combine cooked rigatoni and chicken with the sauce; toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg