Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Mozzarella Alfredo Sauce is a bold and comforting pasta dinner featuring juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, rotini that hugs a silky Alfredo, and a melty mozzarella finish. This easy stovetop Cajun chicken pasta comes together fast for busy weeknights. Keywords: creamy cajun chicken pasta, mozzarella alfredo, rotini, weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
1 1/4 lb chicken breasts, boneless skinless
1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
3/4 tsp fine salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat and season chicken: Pat chicken dry and coat all over with Cajun seasoning; set aside while you boil water.
2. Cook rotini: Boil in well-salted water until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
3. Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high; sear chicken 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and 165 F. Transfer to a board to rest.
4. Start Alfredo base: Lower heat to medium; add butter to the same skillet. Saute garlic 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream; simmer gently 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Melt cheeses: Reduce heat to low; whisk in Parmesan, then mozzarella until smooth and glossy. Loosen with pasta water as needed.
7. Sauce the pasta: Add drained rotini; toss until every spiral is coated. Add cayenne for heat and lemon juice for brightness if desired.
8. Slice chicken: Cut rested chicken into strips; return to the skillet or arrange over the pasta.
9. Finish and serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan; serve hot.
Notes
Rotini holds creamy sauces very well; penne or fusilli also work.
For a lighter sauce, swap 1/2 cup of the cream with whole milk and keep heat low to avoid splitting.
Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing for the juiciest texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 2 cups
- Calories: 760
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 980
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 62
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 45
- Cholesterol: 175