Description
A rich, creamy, and spicy pasta dish that blends bold Cajun flavors with silky mozzarella Alfredo sauce—Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini is the ultimate comfort meal for spice lovers and cheese fans alike. Perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekend dinners, this quick dinner recipe is a must-add to your list of go-to easy dinner ideas and food ideas. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner, a restaurant-style pasta, or just some weeknight pasta inspiration, this easy recipe hits the mark. It’s creamy, cheesy, spicy, and irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
12 oz rotini pasta
Water and salt for boiling
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley or basil chopped (optional)
Extra mozzarella or Parmesan for topping (optional)
Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken breasts dry and slice or pound evenly. Coat with Cajun seasoning and press it in well.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and let it rest, then slice into strips.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring. Gradually whisk in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and thick.
6. Season sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Adjust to taste.
7. Add cooked rotini to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Fold in sliced Cajun chicken and heat through.
8. Top with extra cheese, cover for 1–2 minutes to melt, and garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for a smooth, creamy sauce—avoid pre-shredded when possible.
Slightly undercook the pasta, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain its juiciness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: creamy cajun chicken pasta, mozzarella Alfredo pasta, easy dinner, rotini pasta, cheesy pasta