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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 670 reviews

A comforting one-pan skillet meal combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with creamy, cheesy garlic sauce and perfectly cooked rotini pasta. This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is ideal for cozy nights when you want a flavorful, hearty dish with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Pasta

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

Seasonings & Oils

  • 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)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)

Dairy & Broth

  • 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)

Garnish

  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley (Chives or cilantro can be used as alternatives)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the rotini pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside for later use.
  2. Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them evenly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to build a flavorful base.
  3. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and completely cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
  4. Sauté Garlic & Prepare Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium low. Melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Simmer Cream & Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Melt Cheeses: Gradually stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips. Add the cooked rotini and chicken slices back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat evenly in the cheesy sauce.
  8. Simmer and Serve: Let the combined dish simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
  9. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving to add a bright, herbal note.

Notes

  • For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with light cream or half-and-half.
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat if preferred.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to suit your spice preference.
  • Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder to enhance flavor.
  • Vegetarian options: Replace chicken with firm tofu and chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Any melty cheese like Gouda or Monterey Jack can substitute the three-cheese mix.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

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

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