Name: Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet 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.); 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.)

Introduction

This Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a flavorful and creamy one-pan meal that comes together quickly on busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast is seasoned with Cajun spices and combined with pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s comfort food with a spicy twist that the whole family will enjoy.

A close-up view of a creamy pasta dish in a white plate, featuring thick spiraled rotini pasta coated in a smooth, light beige cheese sauce. On top, there are two layers of golden-brown, grilled chicken pieces, seasoned with black pepper, scattered evenly over the pasta. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled across the dish, adding a fresh contrast to the creamy textures and warm colors. The white plate sits on a background with a white marbled texture, enhancing the warm tones of the food. 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 chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

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

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

Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.

Step 6: Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet along with the cooked rotini. Toss to coat well in the sauce and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs for juicier meat and richer flavor.

Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the spice level according to your preference.

Swap heavy cream for coconut milk to make a dairy-free version with a subtle twist.

Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies and texture.

Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. Cooking frozen chicken in the skillet may result in uneven texture.

What can I do if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust the amounts to taste.