Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for Cozy Nights Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal perfect for cozy nights. Combining tender chicken, spicy Cajun flavors, and creamy cheese sauce, it’s sure to satisfy your dinner cravings with minimal fuss.

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

1. Step 1: Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Cook chicken in the skillet for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Add chicken broth and heavy cream, simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Step 6: Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Step 7: Return cooked rotini and sliced chicken to the skillet, toss to coat in sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Swap out cheeses for whatever melty varieties you have on hand for different flavor profiles.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
• Try fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
• For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with light cream or coconut milk.
• Vegetarian version works well using vegetable broth and your favorite meat alternative.

Storage

Store leftover chicken rotini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, farfalle, fusilli, or any short pasta shapes work well in this dish and hold the sauce nicely.

How can I make this recipe less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit it entirely. You can also add more cream to mellow the heat.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for Cozy Nights Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 101 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for cozy nights. Tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices are cooked to perfection, then combined with al dente rotini pasta and a rich, creamy garlic cheese sauce made from mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar. Finished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness, this comforting skillet dinner is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your craving for a cheesy, spicy pasta dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• 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.)

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency later.
2. Prepare Chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly on both sides.
3. Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest before slicing.
4. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low and add butter. Once melted, sauté minced garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
5. Create Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Add Cheese: Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
7. Combine Ingredients: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips. Return the cooked rotini and sliced chicken into the skillet, gently tossing to coat everything evenly in the cheese sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot for a comforting and cheesy Cajun-inspired dinner.

Notes

• Substitute chicken thighs in place of breasts for a juicier result.
• Use penne, farfalle, or fusilli if you don’t have rotini.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning amount to control spice level.
• Butter can be replaced with margarine or dairy-free butter if needed.
• Heavy cream can be swapped with light cream or coconut milk for lighter or dairy-free options.
• Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cajun chicken skillet, cheesy pasta skillet, creamy chicken rotini, one pan Cajun chicken pasta, comfort food dinner