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Creamy Cajun Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Alfredo

This creamy Cajun chicken twisted pasta combined with mozzarella Alfredo delivers a comforting and flavorful experience, enriched with rich spices and a velvety sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Dish
  • 12 oz twisted pasta (cavatappi works best) Choose whole grain for a healthier option.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin for richer flavor.
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust for spice levels.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Look for whole-milk mozzarella for better melting.
  • Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish Fresh or dried.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken and season with Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer, stirring often for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce. If it's too thick, you can pour in some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well combined, ensuring each piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature; this will help them blend together seamlessly. If looking for an easy swap, consider using cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.