Description

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a flavorful, creamy pasta dish combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken, a trio of melted cheeses, and a rich garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a quick, comforting weeknight meal ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

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

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In a bowl, toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, 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 over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and shredded cheddar cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine and simmer: Return the cooked rotini pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together carefully to coat evenly in the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let the skillet simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors meld and the dish heat through.
Serve: Garnish the cheesy Cajun garlic chicken rotini with freshly chopped parsley and additional cheese if desired. Serve the dish hot for best taste and texture.

Notes

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the sauce.
Adjust the Cajun seasoning amount based on your preferred spice level.
If heavy cream is unavailable, a mixture of milk and sour cream can be used but may affect creaminess.
Ensure not to overcook the pasta; al dente works best to prevent mushiness when combined with sauce.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative.