Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for Cozy Nights Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is the perfect comfort dish for cozy nights. It combines tender, spiced chicken with creamy, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked rotini pasta for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

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 for juicier meat or substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives for a vegan twist.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference or use smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor.
• Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a more intense garlic flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove 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 use other types of pasta?

Yes, penne, farfalle, or fusilli all work well and hold the sauce beautifully.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Light cream or full-fat coconut milk are good alternatives, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for Cozy Nights Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 391 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a comforting, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for cozy nights. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with bold Cajun spices, then cooked to golden perfection. Combined with al dente rotini pasta and a rich, creamy cheese sauce featuring mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar, this dish delivers a satisfying balance of spice and cheesy goodness. Fresh garlic and parsley add a fragrant touch to elevate every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 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 (Can be omitted if not desired.)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Pasta

• 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (Can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli.)

Sauce and Cooking

• 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.)
• 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.)

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later use.
2. Season the Chicken: While pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts on both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to ensure robust flavor.
3. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest briefly before slicing.
4. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium, melt butter in the same skillet, and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
5. Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes so it thickens slightly, forming a creamy base for the cheese sauce.
6. Add Cheese: Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese gradually, mixing continuously until all cheeses are melted, forming a smooth and luscious sauce.
7. Combine Ingredients: Slice the rested chicken breasts and return them along with the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the cheesy sauce. Let simmer for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving immediately hot for a comforting and delicious meal.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.
• Use penne, farfalle, or fusilli if rotini is unavailable.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to control spice level.
• Replace heavy cream with light cream or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
• Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
• Butter can be substituted with margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative.
• Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for intensified flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheesy Cajun Chicken, Garlic Chicken Skillet, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Rotini Pasta Recipe, One Pan Meal, Comfort Food, Cajun Chicken Pasta