CREAMY CAJUN CHICKEN RIGATONI

Tender chicken, bold Cajun seasoning, and a creamy sauce combined, rigatoni pasta soaks up the rich flavours, while fresh spinach adds vibrancy. Super quick, super easy.

PREP 10m

COOK 10m

TOTAL 20m

SERVES 2

Ingredients-

  • 2 chicken breasts, butterflied

  • 1 teaspoon Cajun spice (for coating)

  • 2 tablespoons plain flour (for coating)

  • 2 teaspoons Cajun spice (for the sauce)

  • 4 tablespoons cream cheese

  • 200ml chicken stock (made with 1 chicken cube)

  • 200g Rigatoni pasta (or other pasta of your choice)

  • A large handful of spinach

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions-

  1. Prepare the Rigatoni Pasta:

    • In a large pot, bring water to a boil, generously salt it, and cook the Rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. The key to perfectly cooked pasta is making sure it's al dente. Just before draining, remember to reserve about 200ml of pasta water – a secret ingredient that adds silkiness to your sauce later.

  2. Coat and Cook the Chicken:

    • While the pasta is cooking, let’s focus on the Cajun-spiced chicken. In a bowl, create a coating by combining 1 teaspoon of Cajun spice with 2 tablespoons of plain flour. Ensuring the chicken breasts are dry, coat them evenly with this mixture. Heat a pan over medium-high heat, add a touch of cooking oil, and cook the coated chicken breasts for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, until they achieve a beautiful golden brown colour and are thoroughly cooked. For an extra touch of richness, consider adding a knob of butter towards the end of the cooking process. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest.

  3. Crafting the Creamy Cajun Sauce:

    • Now, let's start the creamy Cajun sauce that will tie everything together. In the same pan used for the chicken, add 200ml of chicken stock, 4 tablespoons of cream cheese, and 2 teaspoons of Cajun spice. Stir this mixture over medium heat until a velvety sauce forms. The Cajun spice will infuse its bold flavours into the creamy base.

  4. Bringing It All Together:

    • Add the cooked Rigatoni pasta directly into the pan with the sauce. Ensure each pasta piece gets a generous coating of this mixture. If you find the sauce a bit thick, the reserved pasta water comes into play – gradually add it until you achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  5. Introducing Vibrancy with Spinach:

    • To add a nutritional boost and a pop of colour to your dish, toss in a large handful of fresh spinach. The residual heat will gently wilt the spinach, incorporating a vibrant touch to your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.

Serve and enjoy! Garnish it with a sprinkle of additional Cajun spice for those who love an extra kick, and perhaps a generous grind of black pepper for added depth.

Tips and Variations-

  • Spice It Up: Adjust the level of Cajun spice according to your spice preference. For those who love a fiery kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra fresh chili during the sauce preparation.

  • Cheese Lovers: If you're a cheese enthusiast, feel free to sprinkle some grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar over the finished dish. The melting cheese will add an extra layer of richness.

  • Vegetarian Twist: Transform this recipe into a vegetarian delight by swapping chicken for your favourite veggies. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes make excellent choices.

  • Herb Infusion: Elevate the freshness by incorporating a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving.

  • Protein Power: Experiment with protein sources. Prawns or diced tofu can be excellent substitutes for chicken.