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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

A creamy and flavorful dish combining rotini pasta with tender chicken in a Cajun-spiced sauce, perfect for cozy nights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main 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
  • To taste Salt
  • To taste Pepper
  • 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

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from skillet and let it rest before slicing.
Sauce Preparation
  1. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
  2. Gradually add the mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
Combine and Serve
  1. Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet along with the cooked rotini. Stir everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
  2. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving. Enjoy your comforting Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet!

Notes

For spice lovers, consider adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to your sauce. You can also incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.