Creamy Cajun Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Alfredo Recipe

If you’ve been craving the perfect bowl of comfort, let this creamy cajun chicken twisted pasta with mozzarella alfredo be your new obsession. Imagine tender Cajun-spiced chicken strips nestled in a rich, velvety mozzarella and Parmesan Alfredo that clings to every spiral of twirly pasta—spicy, creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible. This recipe brings together the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with mellower, luscious cheeses, all in under 30 minutes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s just as likely to become a weeknight staple as your next show-stopping dish for friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This creamy cajun chicken twisted pasta with mozzarella alfredo is the kind of comforting meal that’s built on simple, can’t-skip ingredients. Each brings something special, whether it’s savory depth, silky sauce, or that signature spicy kick.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Sliced into strips, this is our juicy, protein-packed base for the dish, ready to soak up Cajun flavor.
• Twisted Pasta (Rotini or Fusilli): Those spirals are sauce magnets—perfect for capturing every bit of creamy Alfredo.
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and building a flavorful foundation, plus a hint of Mediterranean flair.
• Butter: Adds richness and rounds out the sauce beautifully.
• Cajun Seasoning: The real kicker—smoky, spicy, and essential for waking up your palate. Don’t be shy to adjust for heat!
• Garlic Powder: Layers in subtle, savory depth alongside the fresh garlic.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste for balance and brightness.
• Fresh Garlic: Four cloves, minced, bring an aromatic punch and flavor like nothing else.
• Chicken Broth: Gives the sauce body and amplifies that savory backbone.
• Heavy Cream: This is where dreamy, decadent Alfredo begins.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts right into the sauce for that stretchy, gooey element everyone loves.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Boosts savory, nutty notes and thickens the sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Just a touch for extra silkiness and tang.
• Chopped Parsley: A final fresh, herby flourish that makes every bowl pop with color.

How to Make creamy cajun chicken twisted pasta with mozzarella alfredo

Step 1: Cook the Twisted Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once those bubbles dance, toss in your favorite twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli both work wonders). Cook according to the package, aiming for that perfect al dente bite, which is usually around 8–10 minutes. Before you drain, remember to reserve about half a cup of pasta water—you might need it to perfect your sauce later. Drain the rest and set that pasta aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While your pasta is bubbling away, grab the sliced chicken strips. Sprinkle generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring each piece gets a lovely, even coat. Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken, and let those strips sizzle for 5–6 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re golden and cooked through. Once they’re done, transfer them to a plate and set aside—but don’t clean that pan just yet!

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet (hello, flavor boosters!), reduce the heat to medium, add the butter, and let it melt. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant and starts to soften. You want aroma, not browned bits, so keep a close eye here.

Step 4: Bring the Alfredo Sauce Together

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, taking a moment to scrape the pan and loosen all those tasty browned bits. Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Keep stirring patiently—soon you’ll have a smooth, dreamy sauce. If it gets too thick for your liking, just splash in a little reserved pasta water until it’s glossy and clingy without being gloopy.

Step 5: Finish and Toss

Now, bring it all together: gently add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet with the sauce. Toss and stir until everything is evenly coated and luxurious. Let it all mingle over low heat for about 2 minutes so every twist of pasta is infused with creamy cajun chicken twisted pasta with mozzarella alfredo glory. Taste, adjust salt and seasoning if needed, and get ready to serve.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

The final flourish: sprinkle chopped parsley over the top, and if you really want that irresistible cheese pull, add a bit more mozzarella right before serving. Serve the creamy cajun chicken twisted pasta with mozzarella alfredo straight from the pan while it’s piping hot and luscious.

How to Serve creamy cajun chicken twisted pasta with mozzarella alfredo

Garnishes

This dish truly shines with a finishing sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—it adds brightness and a fresh aroma that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. For the cheese lovers at your table, a quick extra grating of Parmesan or an extra pinch of mozzarella on top (then a minute under the broiler!) promises a golden, bubbly finish.

Side Dishes

To make your creamy cajun chicken twisted pasta with mozzarella alfredo a true feast, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with a zingy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette rounds out the meal, perfect for swiping up every last drop of Alfredo. Need more veggies? Roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach play really nicely alongside these flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish feels just as at home for a cozy dinner as it does at a party. For a family-style supper, serve it straight from the skillet so everyone can dig in. Hosting guests? Plate twirled mounds of pasta in shallow bowls, topped with extra parsley and a few slices of blackened chicken neatly fanned out for dramatic effect. You could even serve creamy cajun chicken twisted pasta with mozzarella alfredo in ramekins for an elevated, individual presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamy cajun chicken twisted pasta with mozzarella alfredo keeps beautifully! Spoon any extras into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—just make sure it’s cooled before sealing.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your pasta for later, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. The sauce may thicken a bit after thawing, but it will still deliver lots of flavor. Freeze for up to 2 months for best results. For optimal texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce if needed. You can also microwave portions in short bursts, stirring in between until warmed through. Just be cautious not to overheat, as that can make the sauce split.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While the spirals of rotini or fusilli help trap more sauce, you can swap in penne, farfalle, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. The flavor of creamy cajun chicken twisted pasta with mozzarella alfredo will be just as dreamy.

Is there a way to make this less spicy?

Yes! Use less Cajun seasoning, or opt for a milder store-bought blend. You can also balance things out by adding a bit more cream or an extra spoonful of cream cheese for an even gentler sauce.

What’s the best way to double the recipe?

Easy—just double every ingredient, use a larger skillet or pot, and give a little extra time for the chicken to cook through. This makes creamy cajun chicken twisted pasta with mozzarella alfredo the perfect dish for big gatherings.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Sure! If you have leftover roast or rotisserie chicken, toss it with Cajun seasoning and add it in Step 5 with the pasta. This shortcut makes dinner even speedier, while the bold sauce helps everything taste fresh and vibrant.

How do I get that perfect creamy texture?

The real trick is to stir the cheese in off the heat, or over low, and add pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce hugs the pasta without clumping. Patience and low heat equal Alfredo magic!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a pasta dish that brings restaurant magic to your kitchen, creamy cajun chicken twisted pasta with mozzarella alfredo is the answer. Every bite is a celebration of cozy, cheesy, and spicy flavors that you’ll want to make again and again. Gather your favorite people—and a generous grating of Parmesan—and get ready to fall in love with this dish!

Print