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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 494 reviews

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a flavorful one-pan dish combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken, al dente rotini pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic cheese sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it brings bold Cajun seasoning melded with a luscious blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, all garnished with fresh parsley.

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasonings

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 12 oz rotini pasta

Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later use.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to coat evenly. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer before stirring in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and shredded cheddar cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheeses have fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine & simmer: Return the cooked rotini pasta and chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let the skillet simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your comforting, flavorful Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet.

Notes

  • To adjust the spice level, reduce or increase the Cajun seasoning according to your preference.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • You can swap rotini for other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli if desired.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling to avoid mushiness when combined with the sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

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

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/cheesy-cajun-garlic-chicken-rotini-skillet-recipe/