Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe
A comforting and flavorful Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet featuring tender bite-sized chicken chunks seasoned with bold Cajun spices, simmered in a creamy garlic cheese sauce with rotini pasta. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners that come together quickly in a single skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz Rotini Pasta (can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli)
Sauté and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken chunks evenly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add the minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth followed by 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, then gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and shredded cheddar cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly. Continue to simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the dish is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a bright finish. Serve the cheesy Cajun garlic chicken rotini hot, adding extra cheese on top if desired.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level for milder or stronger flavor.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly, but omit chicken pieces accordingly.
- Fresh minced garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for more intense garlic flavor in the chicken seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, cheesy chicken skillet, creamy rotini recipe, easy weeknight dinner, garlic cheese sauce, one pan pasta dinner
