Description
This creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese features tender seared chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, combined with perfectly cooked rotini pasta and a rich, cheesy sauce made from mozzarella, Parmesan, and heavy cream. It’s the ultimate comfort dish ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts (pat dry for excellent searing)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (adjust based on heat preference)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (can substitute with vegetable oil)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (use unsalted for better salt control)
Pasta
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (can substitute with penne or corkscrew)
- 1/4 cup Reserved Pasta Water (optional)
Sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic (fresh minced, or garlic powder as alternative)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (substitute with half-and-half for lighter version)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (can swap with provolone or gouda)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish; can substitute with basil)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels to ensure good searing. Coat both sides evenly with Cajun seasoning and set aside.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest to retain juices.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed, then drain the rest.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium-low and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and gradually whisk in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked rotini to the cheese sauce in the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if necessary. Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the mac and cheese.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot immediately for the best creamy texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute rotini with penne or corkscrew pasta shapes based on preference.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce richness and calories.
- For a spicier dish, increase Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper.
- Fresh garlic is preferred for sauce but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- If you want a vegetarian version, omit chicken and increase cheese quantities slightly.
