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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

5.2 from 27 reviews

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a creamy, flavorful one-pan pasta dish featuring tender, spiced chicken breast, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce made with mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese. Infused with garlic and Cajun seasonings, this hearty skillet meal comes together quickly and is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 12 oz rotini pasta

Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to coat evenly. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
  4. Combine and simmer: Return the cooked rotini and chicken back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy, cheesy sauce. Allow it to simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  5. Serve: Garnish the skillet with freshly chopped parsley and additional cheese if desired. Serve hot for a comforting and delicious meal.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
  • You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the skillet for added nutrition and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy Cajun chicken pasta, creamy chicken rotini, Cajun chicken skillet, garlic cheese pasta skillet, one-pan pasta dinner