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Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
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Enjoy a creamy and spicy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce, a quick and flavorful pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken pieces seasoned with bold Cajun spices are combined with al dente rotini pasta and a rich garlic-infused mozzarella sauce. This comforting meal balances heat and creaminess for a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and loved by the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz rotini pasta

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings & Sauces

  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, herbs)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Sauce Components

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded recommended)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp butter

Cooking Oils

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed.
  2. Season and cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the garlic mozzarella sauce: In the same pan, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until melted and silky smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce, then fold in the drained rotini pasta. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy garlic mozzarella sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning. Cook together for an additional 2 minutes to blend flavors thoroughly.
  5. Serve immediately: Plate the Cajun Chicken Rotini hot and garnish as desired to delight everyone at the table.

Notes

  • Use quality Cajun seasoning for the best flavor impact.
  • Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Shred mozzarella cheese fresh to ensure a creamy sauce without anti-caking agents.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and add silkiness.
  • Melt cheese gently over low heat to prevent clumping or separating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy garlic mozzarella sauce, quick dinner, spicy pasta, rotini recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/cajun-chicken-rotini-with-garlic-mozzarella-sauce/