Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

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If you’re craving something rich, bold, and irresistibly creamy, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is your new dinner go-to. Each twirl of rotini pasta is coated in a velvety garlic and mozzarella sauce that hugs every crevice, while the Cajun-spiced chicken brings a smoky kick of heat. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to throw together on a busy weeknight.

This dish is a fusion of comfort and spice, combining the depth of Cajun seasoning with the luscious melt of mozzarella and cream. The chicken is pan-seared to lock in juices, then nestled into the sauce and pasta, making each bite taste like it came from your favorite bistro. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this creamy pasta dish brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini

What makes this pasta stand out is the balance. You get the fiery personality of Cajun spices mellowed out by a garlic-forward, cheesy sauce. The texture of rotini is perfect for grabbing onto all that saucy goodness, and the chicken stays tender thanks to quick searing and gentle simmering. It’s bold enough for spice lovers, but still creamy and mild enough for everyone else at the table. Plus, it’s a one-skillet meal that keeps cleanup simple.

What Kind of Rotini or Chicken Should I Use?

You can use any type of rotini you like – classic durum wheat, whole grain, or even gluten-free versions work great here. The key is to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get soggy once tossed with the sauce. As for the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook evenly and slice up beautifully. If you’re in a rush, rotisserie chicken is also a solid shortcut. The Cajun seasoning pairs well with white meat, but thighs can work too if you prefer richer flavor and a bit more juiciness.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini

The ingredients for this dish are straightforward but impactful. The creamy base, paired with a punch of Cajun seasoning, delivers that bold flavor you crave. Every component is chosen for how it builds into a sauce that clings to the rotini and infuses every bite with heat and comfort.

  • Rotini pasta
  • Chicken breasts
  • Olive oil
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Garlic cloves
  • Heavy cream
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Butter
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Parsley (for garnish)
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How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rotini until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a half cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes per side. Remove and let rest before slicing.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, followed by shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked rotini and sliced chicken back to the pan. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan before serving. Serve warm for the ultimate comfort meal experience.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

When making Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini, it’s easy to go overboard on the Cajun spice. Remember, you can always add more but you can’t take it out once it’s in. Another common pitfall is overcooking the chicken. A good sear on medium-high heat locks in flavor without drying it out. Also, avoid boiling the cream sauce too hard—gentle heat is your friend to keep it smooth and prevent separation.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini

This hearty pasta serves about 4 to 5 people, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner or to impress at a small gathering. Serve it immediately after cooking while the sauce is silky and hot. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creaminess without drying it out.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini?

Garlic Bread

A crusty slice of garlic bread adds texture and a buttery crunch that complements the creamy sauce.

Green Salad

A crisp salad with a vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish with freshness and acidity.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasting broccoli brings out its nutty flavor, which pairs well with the spiciness of the Cajun chicken.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

The sweetness of grilled corn is a nice contrast to the savory and spicy notes of the pasta.

Sauteed Spinach

A quick side of spinach with a touch of lemon adds both color and nutrients to the plate.

Garlic Roasted Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms deepen the umami flavors, rounding out the meal nicely.

Caesar Salad

Classic Caesar with its tangy dressing and crunchy croutons offers a familiar pairing.

Sliced Avocado

Creamy avocado slices cool down the spice and add a buttery touch to the experience.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If this Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini got your taste buds dancing, then you’ll definitely want to try these other comfort-packed chicken pasta dishes:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy or tone it down? Did you sneak in extra cheese?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better and tastier.

Explore more crave-worthy recipes on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and find your next favorite dish!

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is all about that perfect harmony of spice, richness, and heartiness. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but tastes like a weekend indulgence. The Cajun kick keeps things lively, while the cheese and cream wrap it all in a comforting hug. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just feeding your inner foodie, this one’s going to be a repeat favorite.

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Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce


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  • Author: Nina Klatten
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 5 servings

Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a bold and comforting pasta recipe loaded with tender chicken, rotini pasta, and a luscious garlic cheese sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends, this creamy Cajun chicken pasta is rich, flavorful, and quick to make.


Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta

2 large chicken breasts

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp butter

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)


Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook rotini until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until cooked through, 6–7 minutes per side. Rest and slice.

3. Reduce heat, melt butter in the same skillet, add garlic, and cook until fragrant. Stir in cream, then mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until creamy.

4. Return rotini and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.

5. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

Cook pasta just until al dente so it holds up in the sauce.

Avoid boiling the cream to keep the sauce from separating.

Taste and adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/5th of recipe)
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

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