Creamy Cajun Rigatoni Delight
Indulge in the rich and flavorful experience of Creamy Cajun Rigatoni Delight, a sumptuous pasta dish that combines the bold spices of Cajun cuisine with a luscious cream sauce. This dish is not just a meal; it's an experience, perfectly paired with succulent chicken or shrimp and vibrant steamed broccoli for a colorful and satisfying feast. The combination of smoked paprika, savory onion, and garlic brings depth to every bite, while a splash of white wine enhances the richness of the cream, making this a truly unforgettable dish for any occasion. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this pasta is a crowd-pleaser that's sure to impress!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry pasta (rigatoni)
1 lb (uncooked)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic
2 tablespoons (minced)
chicken bouillon granule
1 teaspoon (to dissolve)
white wine
1 cup (for cooking)
cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon (adjust to taste)
sweet smoked paprika
1 tablespoon (for flavor)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (for flavor)
heavy cream
1 pint (for the sauce)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (shredded, for topping)
Instructions
1
1. In a large stockpot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
2. Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
3
3. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4
4. Stir the chicken bouillon granule into the white wine, then pour the mixture into the sauté pan. Using a wooden spoon, scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
5
5. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, around 3 minutes.
6
6. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, sweet smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato paste, ensuring everything is well combined.
7
7. Slowly add the heavy cream to the sauce. Keep stirring gently, and when the mixture is near bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens and reduces by half, approximately 5 minutes.
8
8. Once the sauce is ready, add the drained rigatoni to the cream sauce. Toss everything together so the pasta is coated evenly in the rich sauce.
9
9. Remove the pan from heat and fold in the freshly chopped parsley and shredded Parmesan cheese until well incorporated.
10
10. Serve immediately while hot, and consider pairing it with steamed broccoli on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cajun Rigatoni Delight?
It is a sumptuous pasta dish that combines bold Cajun spices with a rich cream sauce, often paired with chicken or shrimp and steamed broccoli.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of dry rigatoni pasta.
How do I cook the rigatoni?
Cook the rigatoni in a large stockpot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the onions have softened and sauté for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
What is the purpose of the chicken bouillon?
One teaspoon of chicken bouillon granule is dissolved into white wine to add depth and savory flavor to the sauce.
Can I substitute the white wine?
While the recipe calls for 1 cup of white wine for cooking, you could potentially substitute with chicken broth if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
How do I deglaze the pan?
After pouring in the wine and bouillon mixture, use a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
How much should the wine reduce?
Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, which takes approximately 3 minutes.
What spices are used in the Cajun sauce?
The dish uses Cajun seasoning, sweet smoked paprika, salt, and fresh ground pepper.
Why is tomato paste included in the recipe?
Two tablespoons of tomato paste are added to provide flavor and body to the cream sauce.
What type of cream is required?
The recipe calls for 1 pint of heavy cream to create the rich sauce.
How long does the cream sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for approximately 5 minutes until it thickens and reduces by half.
When do I combine the pasta and the sauce?
Add the drained rigatoni to the cream sauce once the sauce has thickened and is ready.
What cheese is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese and parsley?
Remove the pan from the heat first, then fold in the freshly chopped parsley and shredded Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it features Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, though you can adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Yes, the recipe description suggests it is perfectly paired with succulent chicken or shrimp.
What is a good side dish for this meal?
Steamed broccoli is highly recommended as a side for a colorful and satisfying feast.
How much Cajun seasoning should I use?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon, but notes you should adjust it to your personal taste.
Do I need to use fresh parsley?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley for the best flavor and garnish.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe yields 4 servings, though specific serving size measurements are not provided.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While rigatoni is specified, other sturdy pasta shapes like penne or cavatappi would also work well with this thick cream sauce.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté it for only one minute and stir frequently to ensure it doesn't burn.
Is the paprika sweet or hot?
The recipe specifically calls for sweet smoked paprika.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
Continue to simmer on low heat until it reduces by half as instructed; the Parmesan cheese added at the end will also help thicken it.
Should the pasta be rinsed after draining?
No, simply drain the rigatoni and add it directly to the sauce so the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.