Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet delivers on all fronts: it's creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and easy to make. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of spice, while the garlic and cheeses create a rich, comforting sauce that pairs perfectly with the rotini pasta. Plus, it comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze! Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this dish will be a hit at the dinner table.

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

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 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

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a flavorful veggie-packed version.

• Spicy: Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.

• Cheese: Try adding different cheeses such as Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a unique flavor twist.

• Pasta: While rotini works perfectly, feel free to substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring back its creamy texture. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with penne, farfalle, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.

2. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and cook it through before adding the seasonings and cooking in the skillet.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just combine and cook when ready to serve.

4. How do I make this recipe spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning, or add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.

5. Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use light cream, but the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy.

6. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute.

7. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and tenderness. Just be sure to cook them until fully done.

8. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed.

9. What can I serve this with?

This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side of garlic bread, a green salad, or steamed vegetables.

10. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken make this a great dish for kids, and you can adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning if needed.

Conclusion

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a perfect weeknight dinner that's packed with flavor and comfort. With tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and a touch of Cajun spice, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Plus, it’s easy to customize and can be adapted to fit your preferences. So why not give this quick and delicious dish a try tonight?

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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

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A creamy, comforting skillet dish with tender chicken, a rich cheese sauce, and Cajun seasoning, served with rotini pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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

½ teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

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

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot!

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• If you want more heat, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes.
• Feel free to substitute the rotini with other pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or fusilli.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 37g
• Cholesterol: 130mg