Description
Indulgent Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Mozzarella Alfredo is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken breast sautéed to perfection and tossed with rotini pasta in a luscious mozzarella and parmesan Alfredo sauce. Finished with fresh parsley, this dish combines bold spices, creamy textures, and comforting flavors ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts (lean protein source; provides the main substance of the dish)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (infuses the dish with bold flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (used for sautéing the chicken)
Pasta
- 12 ounces Rotini Pasta (provides the base component; shape holds sauce well)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Butter (adds richness to the sauce)
- 3 cloves Garlic (freshly minced; adds aromatic flavor)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (creates the creamy base for the Alfredo sauce)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (melts beautifully, providing a gooey texture)
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (complements the sauce with sharp flavor)
Garnish
- ¼ cup Chopped Fresh Parsley (adds freshness and color to the presentation)
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and generously coat them with the Cajun seasoning on all sides to ensure a bold flavor in every bite.
- Cook the Rotini Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and gradually stir in shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked rotini and sliced chicken into the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use less butter.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick during cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.
