Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe
This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente rotini pasta, and a rich, creamy three-cheese sauce infused with garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish offers a spicy twist balanced with creamy, cheesy goodness.
- 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
- 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
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces 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 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until the sauce becomes smooth and fully melted.
- Combine & simmer: Return the cooked rotini and chicken back into the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce. Toss everything well to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Allow the skillet to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and additional shredded cheese if desired. Serve hot for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- Use freshly chopped parsley to enhance both the flavor and presentation.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your heat preference.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure the pasta is drained well to prevent a watery sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Cheesy Cajun Chicken, Garlic Chicken Pasta, One-Pan Dinner, Rotini Pasta Recipe, Creamy Chicken Skillet, Cajun Seasoned Chicken
