This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a flavor-packed comfort dish that brings the heart of Southern spice to your dinner table. Imagine perfectly seared Cajun-seasoned chicken, juicy and tender, resting atop a bed of al dente rotini pasta, drenched in a velvety mozzarella garlic cream sauce. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and bold with a smoky Cajun kick.

This dish is a weeknight savior and a weekend indulgence all in one. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, the fusion of creamy textures and spicy warmth makes it unforgettable. Plus, it’s made with simple pantry ingredients you probably already have, but the result is anything but ordinary.

What Kind of Cajun Seasoning Should I Use?

Cajun seasoning varies by brand, but the key is a smoky, savory blend with a little heat. Look for one that includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. If you’re sensitive to spice, choose a mild blend or make your own and adjust the cayenne to taste.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Rotini Pasta: Holds the creamy sauce in every spiral, making it perfect for cheesy recipes like this one.
Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless, it gets seasoned with Cajun spices and pan-seared until golden.
Cajun Seasoning: Adds that signature spicy, smoky flair.
Heavy Cream: Builds the rich and luscious base of the sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into creamy perfection and gives the dish its iconic cheesy pull.
Garlic (fresh minced): Infuses the sauce with deep savory flavor.
Butter: Used for sautéing the garlic and adds richness.
Parsley (fresh or dried): For garnish and a touch of brightness.
Salt & Pepper: To balance and enhance all the flavors.

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning on both sides. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese gradually, whisking until melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained rotini pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the garlic mozzarella sauce. Let it simmer for a minute to fully combine.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Plate the sauced rotini pasta, then top with the sliced Cajun chicken. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and an extra pinch of Cajun seasoning if desired.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini

This pasta is best served hot, straight from the skillet when the sauce is silky and the cheese stretch is strong! Pair it with a light green salad or roasted veggies to balance out the richness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also great companions to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Freezing isn’t ideal as the creamy sauce can separate, but it’s doable in a pinch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this Cajun chicken pasta?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning. If you prefer a milder heat, use less seasoning or choose a low-heat blend. You can always add heat later with a dash of cayenne.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine will work. Just choose a shape that holds sauce well.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly thinner. Whole milk with a bit of flour to thicken is also an option in a pinch.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes! Use a plant-based cream and dairy-free mozzarella alternative. Coconut cream works surprisingly well with Cajun flavors.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce a day ahead. Cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

What proteins can I substitute for chicken?

Shrimp, turkey, or even grilled tofu make great alternatives if you want to switch things up.

Want More Pasta Recipes with a Kick?

If you loved this Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini, here are a few more spicy, cheesy, and satisfying meals to try next:

One Skillet Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta if you crave that creamy heat with bold ranch tang.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for a veggie-packed comfort dish.
Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta with a surprising twist of sweetness.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for extra cheesy garlic lovers.
One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner when you need quick, easy, and indulgent.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or swap in shrimp? Any clever pasta twists?

I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life in your own kitchen. Don’t be shy—let’s swap ideas and grow our recipe stash together!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Cajun

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a bold, comforting pasta dish loaded with seared Cajun-spiced chicken, tender rotini pasta, and a velvety mozzarella garlic cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights or special dinners, it’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly with pantry staples.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning.

3. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove, rest, then slice.

4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter, add minced garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds.

5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in mozzarella, whisking until smooth and melted.

6. Add cooked rotini to the sauce and toss to coat. Let it simmer for 1 minute to combine.

7. Serve pasta topped with sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with parsley and an optional sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.