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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for Cozy Nights Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 136 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet combining perfectly cooked pasta, tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, and a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce. Ideal for cozy weeknight dinners with a spicy twist and rich cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz Rotini Pasta (can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli)

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (can replace with canola or vegetable oil)

For the Spice Mix

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (substitute with a different spice mix for a milder taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (can use fresh minced garlic)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder (omit if unavailable)
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

For the Sauce

  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Butter (can substitute with olive oil for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (light cream or coconut cream can be alternatives)
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Broth (vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian option)

For the Cheesy Goodness

  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded

For the Finishing Touch

  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth followed by 1 cup heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Let the mixture simmer briefly to meld flavors.
  4. Add Cheeses: Stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce until the cheeses melt smoothly and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked rotini pasta and browned chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the cheesy sauce. Allow to simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve the cheesy Cajun garlic chicken rotini hot, with optional extra cheese on top if desired.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or seasonal vegetables.
  • Using fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder can enhance the flavor.
  • Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to control the spiciness according to preference.
  • Fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of color and freshness.

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

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/cheesy-cajun-garlic-chicken-rotini-skillet-for-cozy-nights-recipe/