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
Scale
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.
