If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances bold spices with a luscious, cheesy sauce, then look no further than this Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe. This meal brings together tender, Cajun-seasoned chicken and al dente rotini pasta coated in a dreamy garlic mozzarella sauce that’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe guarantees a satisfying and impressive plate that’s surprisingly simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the spicy Cajun seasoning that gives the chicken its distinctive kick, to the creamy mozzarella cheese that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth. You don’t need a long grocery list, just a handful of essentials that come together to create a dish bursting with taste and texture.
- 12 oz rotini pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, making sure every bite is delicious.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, easy to cook and perfect for soaking up Cajun spices.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: This adds a vibrant, smoky heat that brings the dish to life.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for chicken): Helps achieve that golden crust when searing the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sauce): Creates a rich base for the garlic mozzarella sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant depth and warmth to the sauce.
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream: Essential for the sauce’s silky, creamy texture.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into the sauce for that irresistible gooey, cheesy factor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors – adjust to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (fresh or dried): For a fresh, colorful finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—salting the water is key to flavorful pasta. Add the rotini and cook it until it’s perfectly al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish. This simple but crucial step ensures your pasta has the perfect bite to lock in the sauce later.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help them brown nicely. Then, generously coat both sides with the Cajun seasoning, which is the heart of the flavor in this recipe. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the chicken. Let it sear for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until it’s golden, flavorful, and completely cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and allow it to rest—this helps keep it juicy. When ready, slice into bite-sized pieces for easy tossing later.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown as garlic can turn bitter. Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring the mixture to a simmer. Now, slowly add the shredded mozzarella cheese, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth, luscious sauce without clumps. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. This sauce is the creamy, cheesy heart of your dish and absolutely divine.
Step 4: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Once your sauce is silky and smooth, add the cooked rotini pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta gets fully coated with the garlic mozzarella goodness. Let the mixture simmer for one more minute so the flavors can meld beautifully. Your creamy Cajun chicken rotini is almost ready to enjoy!
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
To finish, take your sliced Cajun chicken and lay it generously on top of the cheesy pasta. Sprinkle the parsley over the dish for a pop of fresh color and brightness. For an extra kick, feel free to add a light dusting of Cajun seasoning on top, but the dish already sings with flavor as is. Now you’re ready to serve a warm, comforting plate of Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe that everyone will love.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only adds a lovely green touch but also brings a subtle freshness that complements the richness of the sauce. If you like a bit of heat, a light dusting of extra Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes provides just the right amount of spice.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for some brightness and crunch. Garlic bread also makes an excellent companion, ideal for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a restaurant-quality feel, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with a twist of fresh cracked black pepper and a sprig of parsley. You can also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for that extra indulgence. If you’re hosting, offer lemon wedges on the side—the acidic brightness cuts through the creaminess wonderfully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and pasta together to allow the flavors to meld even further. Before sealing, let the dish cool to room temperature to preserve the best texture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so without fresh herbs or any garnishes. Place the creamy chicken rotini in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the sauce’s texture might change slightly upon thawing due to the heavy cream and cheese, but it will still be delicious after reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of milk or cream helps bring back the creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring each time to ensure even heating. The sliced Cajun chicken reheats beautifully without drying out when handled with care.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal because its shape traps the sauce perfectly, you can swap it for other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just keep cooking times in mind to maintain the right texture.
How spicy is the Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe?
The spice level depends largely on the Cajun seasoning you use. Most store-bought blends have moderate heat, making this dish flavorful without overwhelming your palate. You can adjust by adding more seasoning for extra spice or dialing it back if you prefer mild flavors.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream or your favorite dairy-free cream substitute, and select vegan mozzarella cheese. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different, but still tasty.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This dish holds up really well as leftovers, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Portion it into containers, and you have ready-to-go lunches or dinners that reheat quickly without losing much of their deliciousness.
What can I add to make the dish even more flavorful?
If you want to kick things up a notch, add sautéed bell peppers or caramelized onions to the sauce, or sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan right before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish brightens all the rich flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There is just something undeniably comforting about this Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of bold spices and creamy indulgence, all wrapped around tender chicken and pasta. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds and feeling warm inside. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen too.
Print
Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a flavorful, comforting pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken served over al dente rotini pasta and coated in a rich, garlicky mozzarella cream sauce. This quick and easy recipe brings together bold Cajun seasoning and creamy textures for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter (for chicken)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with Cajun seasoning to infuse the meat with bold flavors.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest briefly, then slice it into strips.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the shredded mozzarella cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let it simmer together for about 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pasta topped with the sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and, if desired, a light sprinkle of additional Cajun seasoning for extra flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning amount to suit your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh parsley for a brighter herb flavor or dried if fresh is not available.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Leftover dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
