Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a fantastic dish that combines flavors to make dinner exciting and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare and offers a beautiful mix of creamy, cheesy goodness with a touch of Cajun spice. This recipe is perfect for families or anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal.
How to Make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 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
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Mix until smooth and fully melted.
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Combine & simmer: Add the cooked rotini and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot!
How to Serve Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
Serve this dish warm for the best flavor. It pairs well with a simple garden salad or some crusty bread. You can also add extra cheese or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning on top to enhance the dish.
How to Store Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
- Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your taste preference.
- For a healthier option, you can substitute the heavy cream with a light cream or milk.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
Variation
You can switch out the rotini for another pasta shape like penne or fusilli. Additionally, if you’re not a fan of chicken, shrimp or sausage can be great alternatives.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then combine with cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best not to freeze creamy pasta dishes, as the texture can change after thawing. It’s better to consume within a week.
3. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream substitute if you prefer a lighter version.
Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking chicken
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter for making sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese
- 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 and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Mix until smooth and fully melted.
Combine & Simmer
- Add the cooked rotini and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot!
