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If there’s one thing that brings people together, it’s a hearty, comforting meal. Comfort food has an incredible ability to evoke memories, and for many, a well-prepared dish can transport us back to cherished moments shared with family and friends. I remember the first time I stumbled upon a creamy Cajun dish while dining out with friends in a cozy little restaurant down south. The explosion of flavors—the smokiness of the Cajun seasoning mingling with the creaminess of the sauce—was an experience I couldn’t forget. Inspired by that night, I set out to create my own version at home, which led me to the discovery of this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni. Not only is it bursting with vibrant flavors, but it's also incredibly easy to make, making it the perfect weeknight dinner.

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

Dive into the comforting flavors of One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni, a dish that combines the richness of cream with the bold spices of Cajun cooking. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and transforms everyday ingredients into a flavorful meal. With juicy chicken thighs, vibrant rigatoni pasta, and fresh veggies all cooked together in one pot, it's a convenient dish sure to impress your family. Enjoy the hassle-free cleanup and the delightful taste of this hearty meal!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (choose either red or yellow), diced

8 oz (225g) rigatoni pasta

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Season and Sauté Chicken:

    - In a large, deep pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. While the oil warms, toss the diced chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning in a bowl until evenly coated.

      - Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate.

        Sauté Vegetables:

          - Using the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the bell pepper starts to soften.

            Cook Pasta:

              - Pour in the rigatoni along with the chicken broth. Increase the heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

                Add Cream and Chicken:

                  - Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the reserved chicken. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach, mixing thoroughly until the spinach wilts down. Let this mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.

                    Finish with Cheese:

                      - Remove the pot from the heat and gently stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste your dish and season with salt and pepper as desired. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of chicken broth.

                        Garnish and Serve:

                          - Serve the creamy Cajun chicken rigatoni hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish and added flavor.

                            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings