Description
This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a flavorful one-pan dinner featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken chunks and rotini pasta, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick, hearty meal that combines spicy, savory, and cheesy elements in a convenient skillet preparation.
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 Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to coat evenly. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. 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 until smoothly melted and combined into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked rotini and chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly, then let the skillet simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to warm through thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and additional cheese if desired. Serve hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
