Mozzarella Chicken Rotini in Cajun Parmesan Cream

If comfort food had a spicy, cheesy cousin with a gourmet twist, it would be this Mozzarella Chicken Rotini in Cajun Parmesan Cream. Picture tender, golden-seared chicken tossed with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, then bathed in a creamy Parmesan and mozzarella sauce infused with bold Cajun seasoning and aromatic garlic. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make all in under 40 minutes.

This dish is the perfect blend of Southern heat and Italian comfort. Whether you’re craving a weeknight dinner that breaks the routine or need something cozy and crowd-pleasing for a dinner party, this pasta checks every box: rich, flavorful, and full of personality.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan flavor magic – All the creaminess, spice, and texture you want in one comforting bowl.
• Weeknight-ready – Made in under 40 minutes with pantry staples.
• Customizable spice – Adjust the Cajun seasoning to make it family-friendly or fiery.
• Restaurant-quality results – Perfectly seared chicken and a silky cheese sauce.
• Comfort food meets bold flavor – Cheesy, creamy, and packed with personality.

Ingredients Breakdown

Serves: 4–6

Pasta

• 12 oz rotini pasta – Twists catch the sauce beautifully.

Chicken

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning – Adds bold, smoky heat
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing

Cream Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish (optional)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Colander
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Grater (for Parmesan)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.

Tip: Toss the drained pasta with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking while the sauce cooks.

2. Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is boiling, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Cajun Parmesan Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to brown the garlic.

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it thickens too quickly, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun seasoning as needed.

4. Combine Chicken and Pasta

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. Add the cooked rotini and gently stir everything together until well combined.

If needed, add a little more pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.

5. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Make it spicier
Increase Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Make it milder
Use a smaller amount of Cajun seasoning or a homemade low-heat blend.

Use different pasta
Penne, farfalle, or rigatoni work well and hold the sauce beautifully.

Add vegetables
Toss in sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for color and nutrition.

Swap the protein
Try this with shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a different twist.

Lighten it up
Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce (note: sauce will be thinner).

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish is a perfect marriage of creamy richness and Cajun boldness. The heavy cream and mozzarella create a luscious base, while the Parmesan adds depth and a salty, nutty finish. The Cajun seasoning infuses the entire dish with smoky spice, garlic, and peppery warmth. It’s a creamy, cheesy, savory bite with a little attitude.

Ideal Pairings

Wine Pairing:

• Chardonnay (buttery and full-bodied)
• Pinot Grigio (crisp, balances the richness)
• Rosé with a dry finish

Non-Alcoholic Pairing:

• Sparkling water with citrus
• Iced tea with lemon and mint
• Lemonade with a pinch of cayenne for heat contrast

Suggested Sides

Balance out the richness of this pasta dish with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus
• Blistered cherry tomatoes with balsamic glaze

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving Estimate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	680
Protein	38g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	38g
Fiber	2g

Dietary Notes:

• High-protein
• Not gluten-free (sub GF pasta if needed)
• Nut-free
• Contains dairy

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

Make-ahead:

• Cooked chicken can be prepped a day ahead and refrigerated.
• Sauce can be made 1 day ahead and gently reheated with a splash of cream or water.

Meal prep:
Portion into airtight containers with a handful of steamed veggies for easy lunches.

Reheating:
Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

Freezing:
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge and reheat gently.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. Add pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken during the final steps when combining with the sauce and pasta.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted chickpeas.

Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can control the spice level by adjusting the Cajun seasoning.

How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour if thickening the sauce (optional).

Cooking Timeline at a Glance

Component	Time
Cook pasta	10–12 mins
Prep and cook chicken	10 mins
Make sauce	8–10 mins
Combine & serve	5 mins
Total Time	30–35 mins

Serving Suggestions

This pasta shines as a stand-alone entrée, but you can elevate the experience with:

• Plated presentation: Swirl the rotini into a shallow pasta bowl, top with sliced chicken, spoon over extra sauce, and garnish with parsley and fresh-grated Parmesan.
• Family-style: Serve in a large bowl with salad and garlic bread on the side for a cozy dinner setting.
• Entertaining: Add a bottle of wine, a soft jazz playlist, and dimmed lights this dish can easily become date-night worthy.

Recipe Variations

Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Omit mozzarella and replace Parmesan with a higher ratio for a traditional Alfredo-style version.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Rotini
Swap the chicken for peeled, deveined shrimp. Sear briefly and cook just until pink.

Baked Pasta Casserole
Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden for a baked twist.

Ingredient Spotlight: Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasoning is the heart of this recipe’s bold personality. A Southern staple, it’s made from paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, and thyme.

Tips:

• Control the heat: Use a homemade blend to adjust the spiciness.
• Storage: Store airtight in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
• Use beyond pasta: Try it on grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even popcorn.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Sear the chicken over medium-high heat for a flavorful crust.
• Don’t overcook the garlic—it should be fragrant, not browned.
• Add cheese gradually to the sauce and stir constantly to avoid clumping.
• Reserve pasta water—it’s liquid gold for creamy sauces.
• Taste and adjust seasoning throughout for perfect balance.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerator:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat with a splash of cream, milk, or pasta water to revive the sauce.

Freezer:

• Freeze fully cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight and reheat gently for best texture.

Avoid freezing:
The sauce may separate slightly after freezing, but can be brought back together with gentle reheating and a splash of cream.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	680
Protein	38g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	38g
Fiber	2g

Allergen Info: Contains dairy and gluten. Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian.

Conclusion

This Mozzarella Chicken Rotini in Cajun Parmesan Cream is the perfect fusion of spicy Southern charm and creamy Italian indulgence. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and draws everyone to the table. With its rich, cheesy sauce and bold seasoning, this pasta will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Best of all, it’s flexible. You can dial the heat up or down, swap in different proteins, and make it ahead for quick meals throughout the week. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing guests, this dish proves that comfort food can still have flair.

Print