Craving a dinner that packs both comfort and kick? This Creamy Rotini Alfredo with Garlic Cajun Chicken is the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. With tender, seared Cajun-seasoned chicken laid over a bed of spiraled rotini smothered in rich Alfredo sauce, every bite is pure indulgence. It’s the kind of dish that turns weeknight meals into restaurant-quality experiences right at home.
Ingredients List
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts (butterflied or pounded thin)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, adds vibrant color)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter (for searing)
For the Pasta:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 300g rotini pasta (holds sauce beautifully)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1½ cups heavy cream (for that silky richness)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
- ½ cup milk (adjust for sauce consistency)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Substitution Tips: Swap rotini with penne or fettuccine if desired. Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter option. Vegan Parmesan and coconut cream work great for dairy-free swaps.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Faster than delivery, yet elegant enough for guests!
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest.
Step 3: Cook the Rotini
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Be careful not to brown the garlic.
Step 5: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring gently. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, then add grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained rotini to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk to loosen it.
Step 7: Slice Chicken & Serve
Slice the rested chicken into strips. Plate the creamy rotini and top with the garlic Cajun chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~680 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
Healthier Alternatives
- Low-Carb: Use spiralized zucchini or chickpea pasta.
- Dairy-Free: Swap cream and Parmesan with coconut milk and nutritional yeast.
- Low-Fat: Substitute cream with Greek yogurt and use grilled chicken breast with less oil.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad.
- Add steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a veggie boost.
- Pair with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or a citrusy lemonade.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Searing too long can make it dry. Keep the heat medium-high and rest the meat.
- Curdled Sauce: Don’t boil the cream—simmer gently and stir constantly.
- Undersalting the Pasta Water: Pasta water should be salty like the sea for best flavor.
- Skipping the Rest Time: Letting chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy.
- Not Grating Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
Storing Tips
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 1 month. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
- Meal Prep: Make sauce and chicken ahead. Boil pasta fresh for best texture.
Conclusion
There you have it—a luxurious yet approachable recipe that marries the comfort of creamy pasta with the zesty boldness of Cajun chicken. This Creamy Rotini Alfredo with Garlic Cajun Chicken is bound to become a weeknight favorite. Try it tonight, snap a pic, and let us know how yours turned out in the comments!
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Just slice and reheat with a little butter and Cajun spice for flavor.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free rotini and double-check your seasoning mix.
Q: What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
Q: Can I use other cheeses?
Yes, try Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different twist.
Q: How do I make it extra spicy?
Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce before serving.