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.

Ingredients

Scale

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.)

Instructions

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.
Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to your taste.
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.
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.
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.
Add the Cheese: Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until they melt completely, forming a smooth, creamy sauce.
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.
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