Creamy Rotini Pasta with Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a twist in this Rotini Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo recipe. Perfectly cooked rotini pasta enveloped in a creamy, tangy sauce made with a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. But wait, there’s more! The addition of Cajun-spiced chicken brings a smoky kick that elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

This dish is not your average Alfredo pasta; it’s a delightful fusion of Italian and Cajun flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The creamy sauce, seasoned to perfection with Italian herbs, is a true crowd-pleaser that will have your family coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a special occasion, this Rotini Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo is sure to be a hit at your table.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to savor every bite of this creamy, cheesy, and herb-infused pasta dish. From the first forkful to the last, this Rotini Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo will warm your heart and soul with its comforting flavors and satisfying textures.

Quick Benefits

• Creamy and Rich: The combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese creates a velvety and indulgent sauce.
• Bold and Spicy Flavors: The Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes add a kick of heat and smokiness to the dish, elevating the flavor profile.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by swapping pasta shapes, using different proteins like chicken thighs, or making it vegetarian-friendly with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Rotini Pasta with Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo Recipe

• Comforting and Bold Flavors: This recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy richness from the Alfredo sauce and a bold spicy kick from the Cajun chicken, providing a comforting yet exciting dining experience.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by families, this dish is a hit on chilly nights and brings together a mix of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Creamy and Tangy Sauce: The tangy combination of cream cheese and real Parmesan in the Alfredo sauce is a non-negotiable highlight of this dish, offering a velvety and flavorful coating for the pasta.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable to personal preferences, you can swap ingredients like pasta shapes, proteins, and dairy products to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Convenient Leftovers: Reheats well for leftovers; simply add a splash of milk or cream and warm slowly on the stovetop to retain the silky texture of the sauce for enjoyable meals even on subsequent days.

Ingredients for Creamy Rotini Pasta with Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo

Cajun Chicken

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 570 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 12 g Cajun seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• 15 ml olive oil
• 2 g smoked paprika

Italian Herb Alfredo Sauce & Pasta

• 120 ml reserved pasta water, as needed
• 28 g unsalted butter
• 240 ml heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 340 g rotini pasta
• 3 g Italian seasoning
• 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 g red pepper flakes (optional)
• 57 g cream cheese
• 113 g mozzarella cheese, shredded

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Pinch of Italian seasoning
• Additional Parmesan cheese, grated

Pro Tips for Creamy Rotini Pasta with Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo

For a successful dish, remember to sear the spiced chicken strips until golden brown and cooked through to build flavor layers. Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to tailor the heat level to your liking. Rotini pasta is an excellent choice for holding the creamy Alfredo sauce – its spirals catch and distribute the sauce perfectly. When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream while warming slowly to maintain the sauce’s silkiness.

To add extra depth to the dish, consider incorporating sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead of chicken for a satisfying meatless version. For a lighter option, swap out heavy cream for half and half or part-skim mozzarella. Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli to personalize the dish to your preferences. Finally, serve this comforting meal with garlic bread for a crunchy contrast or a side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheesy Alfredo sauce.

How to Make Creamy Rotini Pasta with Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo

Step 1: Cook Rotini

Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook rotini until al dente following package instructions. Reserve 120 ml pasta water, drain, and set pasta aside.

Step 2: Prepare Cajun Chicken

Pat dry chicken strips with paper towels. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook seasoned chicken strips in olive oil for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Step 4: Prepare Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add heavy cream and heat until just steaming.

Step 5: Incorporate Cheeses and Seasonings

Whisk cream cheese in skillet until smooth. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. If too thick, add pasta water gradually until creamy.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rotini back to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the Alfredo sauce.

Step 7: Add Cajun Chicken

Gently mix in sliced Cajun chicken strips to evenly coat the pasta.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Portion the creamy rotini and chicken onto serving plates. Top with chopped parsley, additional Parmesan, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

Storage Tips

After preparing Rotini Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo with Cajun Chicken, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and warm slowly on the stovetop to maintain the sauce’s silky texture. Due to the cream potentially separating, it is recommended to enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days.

For variations, you can swap the rotini pasta for penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine. If you prefer a juicier chicken, consider using boneless chicken thighs. To lighten the dish, replace heavy cream with half and half or use part-skim mozzarella. For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted broccoli. Enhance the dish by serving it with garlic bread or a side salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, and consider incorporating spinach or blistered cherry tomatoes into the sauce for added color and nutrition.

Ingredient Substitutions

When making Rotini Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo, you can easily swap the rotini pasta for penne, fusilli, or fettuccine if you prefer a different shape. These pasta varieties will also hold the creamy sauce well. If you want to make a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted broccoli for a hearty and flavorful alternative.

For a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute half and half for the heavy cream or opt for part-skim mozzarella cheese. This adjustment will reduce the overall richness of the sauce while still maintaining a deliciously creamy texture. Additionally, if you prefer a milder spice level, you can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this Rotini Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo into an elegant dish by serving it in individual mini cast-iron skillets. Top each serving with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese and a fresh basil leaf for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red to complement the richness of the dish.

For a cozy and casual serving suggestion, bake the Rotini Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo in a large ceramic casserole dish. Top it with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and broil it for a few minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Serve family-style at the dinner table with garlic breadsticks for dipping and a side of roasted broccoli for a complete meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

FAQs for Creamy Rotini Pasta with Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the Cajun chicken?

Yes, the spiciness can be adjusted to taste by adding more or less Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of rotini?

Absolutely, penne, fusilli, or farfalle can be used as substitutes, but rotini works particularly well with the creamy sauce.

Does this dish reheat well?

Yes, it reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container and add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain the creamy consistency.

What cheeses are used to create the creamy sauce?

Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses are used to create a smooth and rich sauce, with the optional addition of cream cheese for extra silkiness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Rotini Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo recipe is a delightful blend of creamy richness and bold flavors that will warm both your heart and your belly. The combination of tender rotini noodles, savory Cajun chicken, and velvety cheese sauce is truly a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a chilly night or looking to add a little excitement to your weeknight dinner routine, this dish is sure to please.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own by trying different variations and substitutions. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with different pasta shapes, protein options, or vegetable additions, the key is to have fun in the kitchen and enjoy the process of cooking a delicious meal. So grab a fork, dig into a steaming bowl of Rotini Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo, and savor every bite of this comforting and flavorful dish.