BEST CAJUN CHEESY RIGATONI PARMESAN SAUCE

Craving something that kicks your taste buds into high gear while simultaneously hugging you from the inside out? This Cajun Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is exactly what you need – a symphony of creamy, spicy, and utterly comforting flavors all swirled together. Get ready to experience a pasta dish that’s so good, you’ll want to make it every week, and I promise, you absolutely *can*!

Ingredients

For the Cajun Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce:

• Rigatoni Pasta: 1 pound
• Butter: 4 tablespoons
• All-Purpose Flour: 4 tablespoons
• Heavy Cream: 2 cups
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
• Cajun Seasoning: 2-3 tablespoons (adjust to your spice preference)
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: To taste
• Black Pepper: To taste
• Optional: Cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp (about 1 pound)
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish, chopped

Equipment:

• Large pot
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups and spoons

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold for thickening the sauce!
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cajun Parmesan Sauce

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This is what will thicken your sauce, so don’t skip this step! Make sure it’s smooth and not burnt.
3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Gradually add the chicken broth, still whisking.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Add the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remember, you can always add more Cajun seasoning for extra heat!

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. If using, stir in the cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the Cajun Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce immediately.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Cajun Cheesy Rigatoni

Spice It Up (or Tone It Down)

The beauty of Cajun cuisine is its versatility! Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and add more gradually. For a real kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Cheese Please!

I recommend using freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. You can also experiment with different types of cheese! Pepper jack would add a nice bit of extra heat, while Gruyere would add a nutty richness.

Perfect Pasta Water

Don’t underestimate the power of pasta water! It’s starchy and helps to bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a creamy and emulsified texture. Always reserve some before draining your pasta – you’ll thank me later!

Add Some Protein

This recipe is fantastic on its own, but it’s also delicious with added protein. Cooked chicken, sausage (especially andouille!), or shrimp are all excellent choices. You could even use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy meal.

Make it Vegetarian

To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the meat and add some vegetables! Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini would all be delicious additions. Sauté them before adding the sauce.

Variations and Delicious Add-Ins

Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo:

For an even richer flavor, try adding a splash of heavy cream at the end. This will make the sauce extra decadent. You could even start with my Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe, but add Cajun seasoning for a unique twist.

Spicy Sausage and Peppers:

Sauté sliced sausage (like andouille or kielbasa) with bell peppers and onions before adding it to the sauce. This will add a ton of flavor and texture.

Seafood Sensation:

Add cooked shrimp, crab, or crawfish to the sauce for a luxurious seafood pasta dish. Be careful not to overcook the seafood, as it will become tough.

Veggie Loaded:

Sauté your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, and add them to the sauce. This is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

This Cajun Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides.

• Garlic Bread: For soaking up all that delicious sauce!
• Side Salad: To balance out the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
• Corn on the Cob: A classic Southern side dish.

Other Cajun and Pasta Recipes to Explore

If you’re a fan of Cajun flavors and cheesy pasta, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes:

• Cajun Honey Garlic Sausage & Rice
• Cajun Chicken Rotini Skillet
• Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta
• Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti – A simpler take if you want just Parmesan!
• Philly Cheesesteak Pasta – For another cheesy, savory dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage:

Store leftover Cajun Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

To reheat, you can either microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, or reheat it in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the cheese to separate.

Get Ready to Dig In!

So there you have it – the ultimate Cajun Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce recipe! I know you’re going to absolutely love this dish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or any occasion that calls for comfort food with a kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Now go forth and create some pasta magic!

BEST Cajun Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

This Cajun Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a creamy, spicy, and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or potluck. The combination of Cajun seasoning, Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses creates a flavorful and satisfying experience that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Cajun, Italian-American

Calories: 800

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2-3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 pound cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp optional
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• large pot
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• whisk
• colander

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.
5. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
7. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
8. Gradually add the chicken broth, still whisking.
9. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
10. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
11. Add the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
12. Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
13. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
14. If using, stir in the cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp.
15. Serve the Cajun Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce immediately.
16. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preference. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for best flavor and melting quality. Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce to the pasta. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a saucepan, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed. To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini.