Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini in Creamy Alfredo Cheese Sauce
Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini in Creamy Alfredo Cheese Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, flavorful seasonings, and creamy cheese sauce, all wrapped around delicious rotini pasta. This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also quick to cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The blend of Cajun spices adds a kick of flavor that sets it apart from ordinary pasta dishes. Plus, who doesn’t love a creamy Alfredo sauce? It truly satisfies your taste buds and leaves everyone wanting more!
How to Make Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini in Creamy Alfredo Cheese Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Directions:
- Cook the rotini pasta: In a large pot, cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set it aside.
- Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and minced garlic. Toss until everything is well coated.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set it aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.
- Add milk and cream: Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly.
- Incorporate the cheese: Add in the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss to coat. Gently stir in the chicken bites and heat everything through for another minute or two.
- Serve: Enjoy warm, with chopped chives or extra Parmesan if desired.
How to Serve Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini in Creamy Alfredo Cheese Sauce
This dish is best served hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like chives for added flavor. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini in Creamy Alfredo Cheese Sauce
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce is too thick.
Tips to Make Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini in Creamy Alfredo Cheese Sauce
- Don’t rush the cooking of the chicken; ensure it’s fully cooked and browned for the best flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your heat preference.
- If you’re a cheese lover, adding extra mozzarella can enhance the creaminess even more.
Variation
For a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also use shrimp for a seafood twist!
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fusilli.Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Just make sure it is in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free milk and cheese substitutes to create a dairy-free version of this recipe.
With its zesty flavor and creamy texture, Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini in Creamy Alfredo Cheese Sauce is a great dish to try for your next meal. Enjoy cooking!
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Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini in Creamy Alfredo Cheese Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A delightful dish featuring tender chicken, Cajun spices, and creamy Alfredo cheese sauce wrapped around rotini pasta, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine chicken cubes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and minced garlic. Toss until well coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.
- Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly.
- Add mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until cheeses melt and sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked rotini to the skillet and toss to coat. Gently stir in chicken and heat through for another minute or two.
- Enjoy warm, garnished with chopped chives or extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce is too thick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken, creamy pasta, rotini recipe, Alfredo sauce
