Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
A flavorful and comforting dish with tender chicken, zesty Cajun seasoning, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked rotini pasta. This one-pan meal is easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
12 oz rotini pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer again. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Lower the heat and add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine everything evenly, ensuring the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Try experimenting with different cheeses like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
