Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for Cozy Nights Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is perfect for cozy nights when you want a comforting and flavorful meal. It combines tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta with a spicy Cajun kick. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy one-pan dinner everyone will love.

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.)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 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.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Cook the chicken in the skillet for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Step 6: Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
7. Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked rotini. Toss everything to coat well in the cheesy sauce and simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat and richer flavor.
• Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder for a more intense garlic taste.
• Swap heavy cream for coconut milk to make this dish dairy-free and add a subtle coconut flavor.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition and color.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper texture.

What can I substitute for rotini pasta?

You can use penne, farfalle, fusilli, or any other short pasta shape that holds sauce well.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for Cozy Nights Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 80 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal perfect for cozy nights. Tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spice, sautéed with garlic, then combined with rotini pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce featuring mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a flavorful and hearty dinner that’s quick and easy to make.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 pound Chicken Breasts (Substitute with chicken thighs if desired.)

Pasta

• 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (Can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli.)

Seasonings and Oils

• 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.)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves Garlic (Minced.)

Dairy and Broth

• 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.)

Garnish

• ¼ cup Fresh Parsley (Chives or cilantro can be used as alternatives.)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to your taste.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
4. Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet, and melt it. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
5. Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add the Cheese: Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until they melt completely, forming a smooth, creamy sauce.
7. Combine Ingredients: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked rotini pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the cheesy sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish. Serve hot for a warm and satisfying meal.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the chicken, adding sautéed vegetables instead.
• If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with light cream or coconut milk.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level or use mild paprika for less heat.
• Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder to enhance garlic flavor.
• Use any melty cheese you like if you want to customize the flavor profile.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheesy Cajun Chicken, Garlic Chicken Pasta, One Pan Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Rotini, Cajun Chicken Skillet