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Creamy Garlic Rigatoni

Creamy Garlic Rigatoni

Discover the perfect Creamy Garlic Rigatoni with tender chicken and a rich cheesy sauce. Ideal for family dinners and special occasions. Easy to make and delicious.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 700
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thick strips
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 18 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter for sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 9 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning for sauce

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Wide skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until tender but firm, about 8-10 minutes, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a wide skillet, warm olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat, add chicken strips, season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Remove chicken from the skillet, lower heat, add remaining butter, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then pour in heavy cream and whole milk, warming gently.
  4. Stir in Velveeta cheese until melted, then add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, seasoning with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Thin with reserved pasta water if necessary.
  5. Combine the cooked rigatoni with the sauce until evenly coated, top with chicken, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 700kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 45gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 1100mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 450mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

For added flavor, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk. Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or vegetables for a different twist. Enjoy this creamy delight at family dinners or special occasions!
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