Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken (Ready-to-Print Version)

Tender chicken and rigatoni tossed in a creamy tomato sauce with bold cajun flavors and aromatic vegetables.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta and Sauce

01 - 7 oz rigatoni pasta
02 - 1/2 cup tomato sauce
03 - 1 cup heavy cream
04 - 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
05 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Chicken and Marinade

06 - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 4 thin pieces
07 - 1 tbsp olive oil
08 - 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided

→ Aromatics and Vegetables

09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1/2 onion, sliced
11 - 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced

→ Cooking Fats and Garnishes

12 - 1 tbsp butter
13 - Olive oil for frying
14 - Chili flakes (optional)
15 - Fresh parsley (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Combine sliced chicken, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat evenly and set aside.
02 - Boil rigatoni until just under al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken pieces 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add butter and sauté sliced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add sliced red bell pepper and cook for another minute.
05 - Add tomato sauce, heavy cream, reserved pasta water, and remaining 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
06 - Add the cooked rigatoni and half of the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir well and simmer for 1–2 minutes. Incorporate grated Parmesan and adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Divide pasta and sauce among plates. Top each serving with remaining chicken pieces. Garnish with chili flakes and fresh parsley if desired.

# Handy Tips:

01 - To increase heat, add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the sauce or sprinkle additional chili flakes during plating.
02 - Serve immediately for best flavor. Store leftover portions in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
03 - Using homemade Cajun seasoning allows control over salt and spice levels.

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