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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 139 reviews

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with perfectly cooked rotini pasta all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s flavored with Cajun spices and garlic. It’s a comforting, one-pan dish perfect for cozy nights when you want a flavorful, hearty meal without the fuss. The blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses creates a rich and melty sauce that complements the spiced chicken and pasta beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

  • 1 pound Chicken Breasts (Substitute with chicken thighs if desired.)
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (Can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli.)

Seasonings and Oil

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Essential for cooking the chicken.)
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (Adjust according to spice tolerance.)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic is also a good option.)
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Can be omitted if not desired.)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Minced.)

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Butter (Margarine or dairy-free options can be used.)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (Consider light cream or coconut milk as alternatives.)
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth (Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version.)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Substitutes can include Gouda or Monterey Jack.)
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated Pecorino Romano can also be substituted.)
  • ½ cup Cheddar Cheese (Any melty cheese will work.)
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley (Chives or cilantro can be used as alternatives.)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Prepare Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook Chicken: Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
  4. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add butter to the same skillet and melt it. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Create Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  6. Add Cheese: Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked rotini and sliced chicken breasts to the skillet. Toss everything well so that the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the cheesy Cajun sauce. Let it simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve the skillet hot for a satisfying, cozy meal.

Notes

  • Substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, richer flavor.
  • Use light cream or coconut milk to make the dish lighter or dairy-free.
  • Vegetarian option: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit chicken.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • Try different pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or fusilli if rotini is unavailable.
  • For a lower-fat version, consider using reduced-fat cheeses and light cream.

Keywords: Cajun chicken skillet, cheesy pasta skillet, creamy chicken pasta, one-pan dinner, rotini pasta recipe, Cajun seasoning chicken

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/cheesy-cajun-garlic-chicken-rotini-skillet-recipe-2/