The best comfort food pasta dinner packed with bold flavor!
📝 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken leg quarters
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
🍽️ How to Make It:
1️⃣ Season the Chicken:
Rub the chicken leg quarters with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. This best roasted chicken recipe, easy family dinner, and flavor-packed meal starts with a bold Cajun-inspired seasoning blend.
2️⃣ Roast Until Golden:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken on a baking sheet or roasting pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the skin is crispy, deeply golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This creates a juicy chicken dinner, comfort food favorite, and restaurant-style meal.
3️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. This easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner winner, and family favorite meal comes together quickly and effortlessly.
4️⃣ Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and black pepper, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Stir in the roasted red peppers and fresh parsley, then toss the cooked rigatoni in the sauce until evenly coated. This creates a creamy garlic pasta, best comfort food, and crowd-pleasing dinner packed with rich flavor.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
Spoon the creamy garlic rigatoni into serving bowls and top each portion with a roasted Cajun chicken leg quarter exactly as shown. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. This best homemade dinner, hearty pasta meal, and easy comfort food recipe is ready to enjoy.
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 50 minutes
⌛ Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4 people
🔥 Calories: ~780 per serving
💪 Protein: ~43g per serving
