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Creamy Cajun Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Alfredo

A cozy weeknight dish featuring twisted pasta in a rich mozzarella Alfredo sauce, loaded with Cajun-seasoned chicken.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Keyword Cajun Pasta, Comfort Food, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Family Friendly
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1.25 lbs Chicken Breasts, sliced Boneless, skinless; chicken thighs can be used for extra juiciness.
  • 12 oz Twisted Pasta (rotini or fusilli) Select a shape that holds sauce well.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil For searing the chicken.
  • 2 tbsp Butter Adds rich flavor to the sauce.
  • 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning Adjust to taste; homemade or store-bought.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder For added flavor.
  • Salt & Black Pepper To taste.
  • 4 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced For the sauce base.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream For creaminess.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded Freshly shredded preferred.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Adds salty richness.
  • 2 oz Cream Cheese For thickness.
  • Chopped Parsley For garnish.
  • Pasta Water Reserve some to adjust sauce consistency.

Instructions

Boil Your Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your twisted pasta until al dente, then drain, saving ½ cup of pasta water.

Season & Sear the Chicken

  • Toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Set aside.

Sauté Aromatics & Build the Sauce

  • Melt butter in the same pan. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute.
  • Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the pan to loosen browned bits.

Make It Super Creamy

  • Lower heat and add cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth, adding reserved pasta water as needed.

Bring It All Together

  • Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce and toss to coat. Let it simmer on low heat for 2 minutes.

Finishing Touches

  • Sprinkle with fresh parsley and more mozzarella if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

This dish reheats well, making it great for leftovers. Use freshly shredded cheeses for the best texture and flavor.