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If you’re craving a soul-satisfying dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet (One-Pan Dinner) Recipe. It’s everything you want in a weeknight meal: quick, simple, and packed with a delightful Cajun kick that perfectly complements tender chicken, perfectly al dente rotini, and a luscious garlic-infused cheese sauce. This one-pan wonder is comfort food at its finest, promising to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in bringing this recipe to life. From the spices that bring that signature Cajun warmth to the trio of cheeses that create a velvety sauce, every component adds delicious texture and rich flavor.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks: Tender protein that soaks up the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
- 12 oz rotini pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly for each bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sear the chicken to golden perfection while infusing subtle fruitiness.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: This bold blend delivers that lively, spicy Cajun punch.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the deep garlic undertones without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds gentle sweetness and depth to the seasoning mix.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and brightening all of the flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fresh, fragrant punch that infuses the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Creates a rich base to sauté garlic and enrich the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides luscious creaminess that turns the sauce silky and indulgent.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture that lifts the sauce just right.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers gooey stretchiness and mild creaminess.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty flavor that sharpens the cheese blend.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a hint of tang and that classic cheddar richness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of bright color and fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet (One-Pan Dinner) Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. This ensures that your pasta will have that ideal bite to pair with the creamy sauce later on. Once done, drain and set aside—your pasta is ready to soak up all that cheesy goodness.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat to get that perfect sear. While it warms, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This spice rub is the secret behind the bold, flavorful punch in this dish. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes until each piece is beautifully browned and cooked through. Once ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—don’t worry, it’s about to join the party back in.
Step 3: Create the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until the aroma fills your kitchen and the garlic becomes fragrant and golden. Now pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer to meld flavors. Stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and cheddar cheese, mixing everything until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety, cheesy marvel. Your sauce is the heart of this skillet dinner.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Return the cooked rotini and chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything together so every noodle and piece of chicken gets generously coated in that luscious, cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let it simmer gently for about 2 to 3 minutes to allow all those incredible flavors to come together in perfect harmony.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the skillet for a fresh pop of color and flavor. You can add an extra handful of cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. Serve hot straight from the pan and get ready for a dinner that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds!
How to Serve Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet (One-Pan Dinner) Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley brighten up the dish visually and add a subtle herbal freshness that cuts through the rich sauce. If you want a little extra zing, a light squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can elevate the flavors even more. For cheese lovers, an additional sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan offers an irresistible salty finish.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet (One-Pan Dinner) Recipe is so hearty and flavorful, it stands well on its own, but if you want a balance, try serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed seasonal veggies like asparagus or green beans also complement the richness beautifully without competing with the dish’s bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family dinner, serve this skillet straight from the pan to keep things cozy and casual. Hosting friends? Portion it into shallow bowls, then sprinkle with extra parsley and a dash of smoked paprika to add color and a smoky finish. You can even bake the entire skillet with a crunchy cheese topping for a different texture that’s simply irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet (One-Pan Dinner) Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays delicious for up to 3 days and the flavors actually develop more after resting for a day!
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Freeze it in a single-layer airtight container or freezer-safe bag to ensure the pasta doesn’t get mushy. For best results, consume within 1 to 2 months of freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating to bring back that creamy texture and prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding onto the sauce, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or even rigatoni—just make sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?
The Cajun seasoning provides a moderate, approachable heat that’s balanced by the rich cheese sauce. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun spice or opt for a milder seasoning blend.
Can I substitute heavy cream for something lighter?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind that the texture won’t be quite as rich and creamy. To compensate, thicken the sauce slightly by simmering it longer or adding a small amount of flour or cornstarch before the cheese.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Unfortunately, since this dish features rotini pasta, it is not keto-friendly. However, you could try substituting the pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to reduce carbs.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply skip the chicken and add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You might want to enhance the seasoning a bit to make up for the protein swap.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet (One-Pan Dinner) Recipe is a true game-changer for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals. It combines bold Cajun flavors with creamy, cheesy comfort in a way that feels both simple and special. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner to share with family and friends.
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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet (One-Pan Dinner) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a flavorful one-pan dinner featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken chunks mixed with perfectly cooked rotini pasta. It’s all coated in a rich, creamy garlic sauce loaded with mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is an easy, comforting meal with a spicy kick, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Sauce and Cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Rotini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and shredded cheddar cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked rotini and chicken back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Let the skillet simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute rotini with other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best for this dish.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
