Description
This Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a flavorful, creamy pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and tossed with rotini pasta in a rich, cheesy garlic sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights that combines spicy Cajun flavors with creamy cheese and garlic notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts (Substitute with chicken thighs if desired.)
- 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 until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly and blend the flavors.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses continually until they melt completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked rotini pasta and the sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat well in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to meld all the flavors and warm through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, spicy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini skillet meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier alternative to chicken breasts.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken or substitute with plant-based protein.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more robust garlic flavor.
- Light cream or coconut milk can be used to reduce the fat content in the sauce.
- Any melty cheese can be substituted if a specific cheese is unavailable.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy chicken rotini, cajun garlic chicken, skillet pasta dinner, easy chicken pasta recipe
