Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for Cozy Nights Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is perfect for cozy nights when you want something comforting yet flavorful. With tender chicken, a creamy cheesy sauce, and a hint of Cajun spice, this one-pan meal comes together quickly and satisfies hearty cravings.
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-high heat. Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Cook the chicken in the skillet for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it.
- Step 4: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Melt butter and 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 to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Step 6: Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Step 7: Return the cooked rotini and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the cheesy sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Tips & Variations
- For milder heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning or omit the onion powder if preferred.
- Try swapping chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat and richer flavor.
- Use dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives to make it suitable for lactose intolerance.
- Fresh garlic adds a brighter flavor compared to garlic powder, so feel free to use both.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the spiciness if desired.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or other vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
What pasta can I use instead of rotini?
Penne, farfalle, and fusilli are excellent alternatives as they hold sauce well and have a similar shape to rotini.
Print
Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for Cozy Nights Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and flavorful skillet dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts, rotini pasta, and a creamy garlic cheese sauce. Perfect for cozy nights when you crave a hearty, cheesy meal with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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 (Optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (Can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli)
Sautéing and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Essential for cooking the chicken)
- 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)
Cheeses
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Substitutes 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 Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly on both sides.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest, then slice.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low, add butter, and melt. Sauté minced garlic in the butter until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, taking care not to burn.
- Make Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese: Gradually stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until fully melted and smooth, forming a creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the cheese sauce and simmer together for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot immediately for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice tolerance; start with less if sensitive to heat.
- Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder for a more intense flavor in seasoning.
- Use light cream or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free sauce version.
- Vegetable broth can substitute chicken broth for vegetarian modifications (omit chicken meat for full vegetarian).
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cajun chicken, cheesy pasta skillet, garlic chicken rotini, creamy pasta dinner, one pan chicken recipe
