Description
Ready to upgrade your dinner game? Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the perfect mix of spicy, cheesy, and comforting. This quick dinner idea features juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, creamy garlic mozzarella sauce, and tender rotini pasta spirals that soak up every bit of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a comforting food idea, easy dinner recipe, or high-protein meal, this dish delivers all the right flavors with minimal effort. Great for busy nights, casual get-togethers, or meal prep—this is your next go-to recipe.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
12 oz rotini pasta
Salt for pasta water
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk warm
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let rest for 10 minutes.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and rest for 5 minutes.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
5. Slowly whisk in warm milk. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
6. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Use pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
7. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce and let simmer for 1–2 minutes to absorb flavor.
8. Slice rested Cajun chicken and place on top of pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated mozzarella for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
Don’t skip resting the chicken—this locks in juices and keeps it tender.
A splash of pasta water can fix a sauce that’s too thick or sticky.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove
- Cuisine: Cajun Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: quick dinner, creamy chicken pasta, easy recipe, cajun rotini, cheesy pasta, high protein meal, comfort food