Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

why make this recipe

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is the perfect dish for cozy nights at home. It’s a one-pan meal that combines juicy chicken, flavorful spices, and creamy cheeses. With minimal clean-up and maximum flavor, it’s an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The Cajun seasoning adds a kick, while the three types of cheese create a rich and comforting experience. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to prepare, making it a favorite for busy weeknights.

how to make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Chicken Breasts (Substitute with chicken thighs if desired.)
• 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (Can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli.)
• 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.)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• 2 cloves Garlic (Minced.)
• 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.)
• ¼ cup Fresh Parsley (Chives or cilantro can be used as alternatives.)

Directions:

1. Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and let it rest.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
6. Add all the cheeses (mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar) to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
7. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked rotini pasta and toss everything together until well combined.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

how to serve Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

Serve the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet hot from the pan. It goes well with a side salad or garlic bread. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra parsley on top for color!

how to store Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for about 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed.

tips to make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

• Make sure to not overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
• You can adjust the level of spice by changing the amount of Cajun seasoning.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition.

variation

For a vegetarian spin, replace the chicken with chickpeas or mushrooms and use vegetable broth. You can also skip the cheese for a dairy-free option.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Just cook the pasta and combine everything when ready to serve.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use light cream, coconut milk, or even a mix of yogurt and milk for a lighter option.

Is it okay to freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Just make sure to thaw and reheat them slowly to maintain texture.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A one-pan meal that combines juicy chicken, flavorful Cajun spices, and creamy cheeses, perfect for cozy nights or busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound Chicken Breasts
• 8 ounces Rotini Pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
• ½ cup Cheddar Cheese
• ¼ cup Fresh Parsley

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Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and let it rest.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
6. Add all the cheeses to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
7. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked rotini pasta and toss everything together until well combined.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with chickpeas or mushrooms and use vegetable broth. Adjust spice levels according to taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet Cooking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Cajun chicken, skillet dinner, creamy pasta