Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for Cozy Nights Recipe
Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a comforting, creamy pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken, a rich garlic cream sauce, and a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, this skillet meal combines bold Cajun flavors with cheesy goodness and perfectly cooked rotini pasta for an easy yet satisfying experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
For the Pasta
- 12 oz Rotini Pasta (can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli)
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (can replace with canola or vegetable oil)
For the Spice Mix
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (substitute with a milder spice mix if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (can use fresh minced garlic)
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder (omit if unavailable)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Butter (can substitute with olive oil for dairy-free)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (light cream or coconut cream can be alternatives)
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth (vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian option)
For the Cheesy Goodness
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
For the Finishing Touch
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chunked chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring gently. Allow the mixture to simmer, then gradually stir in mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked rotini and browned chicken back to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the cheese sauce. Simmer the mixture for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, optionally topping with extra shredded cheese for added richness.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or seasonal vegetables.
- Use fresh ingredients wherever possible for a brighter and more vibrant flavor.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your spice tolerance for milder or hotter results.
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, cheesy skillet dinner, garlic cream sauce pasta, easy weeknight meal
