Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for Cozy Nights Recipe
This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for cozy nights. Tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices are cooked in a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce and combined with al dente rotini pasta. This skillet dish balances bold spices and creamy cheese for a delicious and satisfying dinner that’s quick and easy to make.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Pasta
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts (Substitute with chicken thighs if desired.)
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (Can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli.)
Seasonings & 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.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Aromatics & Dairy
- 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.)
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. Add the rotini pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheeses: Slowly stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Continue stirring until all the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked rotini pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the cheesy sauce. Let simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to warm through and meld flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the skillet hot and enjoy your cozy Cajun garlic chicken pasta meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Use light cream or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free alternative.
- Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for a larger crowd.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Cajun chicken, cheesy pasta, garlic chicken skillet, rotini pasta recipe, easy dinner, one-pan meal, creamy Cajun chicken, weeknight dinner
