Name: Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for Cozy Nights Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Chicken Breasts (Substitute with chicken thighs if desired); 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 tablespoons Olive Oil (Essential for cooking the chicken); 2 cloves Garlic (Minced); 2 tablespoons Butter (Margarine or dairy-free options can be used); 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (Can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli); 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; 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)

Introduction

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a comforting one-pan dish perfect for cozy nights. Tender chicken and al dente rotini are smothered in a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce with the perfect hint of Cajun spice. It’s easy to make and sure to satisfy your craving for something hearty and delicious.

The image shows a close-up of a dish with three main layers. The bottom layer is creamy pasta spirals with a pale yellow color and smooth texture. Above this are small pieces of golden brown, grilled chicken that look slightly crispy with visible black pepper seasoning. The top layer consists of small green parsley leaves scattered evenly over the pasta and chicken, adding a hint of color contrast. All of this is served in a deep white plate, with the dish appearing rich and creamy. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Cook the chicken in the skillet for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest.

Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and melt butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 5: Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese until melted and combined to form a smooth cheese sauce.

Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken breasts. Return the cooked rotini and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the cheese sauce.

Step 8: Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors and heat through.

Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot for a cozy, cheesy meal.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat if preferred.

Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative with a subtle coconut flavor.

Try different pasta shapes like penne or farfalle to change up the texture.

Freshly grated cheeses melt better and add more flavor than pre-shredded varieties.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or cooked chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and chicken separately and store them refrigerated. Assemble and heat the cheese sauce just before serving for the best texture and flavor.