Cheesy Cajun Chicken Rollups with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce
Introduction
If you are looking for a dinner recipe that is full of flavor, creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy, these Cheesy Cajun Chicken Rollups with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce will become your new favorite. This dish is the perfect combination of comfort food and gourmet dining, making it an excellent choice whether you are cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for a special gathering.
The magic of this recipe lies in the balance of flavors: juicy chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, rolled up with melted mozzarella and pepper jack cheese, then finished with a smoky, slightly sweet roasted red pepper cream sauce. The result is a dish that looks impressive on the plate but is surprisingly easy to make.
In this detailed recipe guide, we will walk you through step-by-step instructions, provide helpful cooking tips, and share different variations so you can adjust it to your own taste. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, you’ll find this dish both approachable and rewarding.
Why This Recipe Works
Bold Cajun Flavors: The seasoning mix gives the chicken a spicy, smoky depth that pairs beautifully with creamy cheese.
Cheesy Goodness: The combination of mozzarella and pepper jack makes the filling gooey, stretchy, and flavorful.
Creamy Sauce with a Twist: The roasted red pepper cream sauce adds richness, color, and a slightly sweet undertone that balances the spices.
Restaurant-Style Presentation: The rolled chicken looks elegant when sliced, making this a great option for entertaining.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level, swap cheeses, or add vegetables to the filling.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Chicken Rollups:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)
1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning (plus more if desired)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce:
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup jarred roasted red peppers, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh chopped parsley
Extra Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on a flat surface between two sheets of plastic wrap.
Pound them gently with a meat mallet until about ¼-inch thick.
Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Stuff and Roll
Lay each piece flat and sprinkle mozzarella and pepper jack cheese evenly.
Roll up tightly, securing with toothpicks.
Don’t overstuff or the cheese may ooze out while baking.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the rollups seam-side down and sear until golden, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
Add roasted red peppers and cook 2 minutes more.
Pour in heavy cream, stir in Cajun seasoning, and simmer until slightly thickened.
Stir in Parmesan and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Serve
Remove toothpicks from chicken and place on plates.
Spoon sauce generously over the rollups.
Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serving Ideas
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with many sides. Try it with:
Creamy mashed potatoes
Garlic butter pasta
Steamed asparagus or broccoli
A fresh garden salad
Crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce
Expert Tips
Don’t skip searing: This step locks in juices and gives the chicken a golden crust.
Control the spice: If you like mild food, reduce Cajun seasoning. If you love heat, add cayenne.
Thicken sauce if needed: If the sauce is too thin, simmer longer or add a teaspoon of flour whisked with cream.
Make ahead: Assemble the rollups earlier in the day, refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Variations
Vegetable Filling: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes inside the chicken.
Cheese Swap: Try provolone, gouda, or cheddar for different flavors.
Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Grilled Twist: Grill the chicken rollups instead of baking for a smoky flavor.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil before freezing.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F until hot. Add a splash of cream to refresh the sauce.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 410
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Carbs: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 620mg
(Values will vary based on ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, but make sure to pound them thin and remove extra fat for even rolling.
Q: Can I make the sauce in advance?
A: Absolutely. The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated before serving.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of cream cheese to thicken.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you don’t serve it with pasta or bread.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Cajun Chicken Rollups with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce are a perfect blend of spice, creaminess, and comfort. They look elegant on the plate, but the process is simple enough for any home cook. With endless ways to customize, this recipe will easily become a staple in your kitchen.
Serve it for family dinners, date nights, or holidays — it’s always a hit!