Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
A rich and creamy one-skillet meal featuring chicken, rotini pasta, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for cozy nights and gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts Chicken thighs are a great alternative.
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta Consider penne, farfalle, or fusilli if preferred.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Essential for cooking the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning Feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder You can use fresh garlic if desired!
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Optional if you prefer less flavor.
- Salt and Pepper To taste.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced for that robust flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Butter Margarine or dairy-free options are suitable.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Consider light cream or coconut milk for a twist.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian version.
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Substitutes like Gouda or Monterey Jack are also tasty.
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese You can swap with grated Pecorino Romano.
- ½ cup Cheddar Cheese Any melty cheese will do the trick!
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley Chives or cilantro could be fun alternatives.
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts, season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning, and cook until no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, garlic powder, and onion powder, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked rotini and the chicken back into the skillet. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and Cheddar cheese, mixing until everything is well combined and the cheese melts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more Cajun seasoning if you like it spicier.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
To make this dish shine even more, consider serving it with a fresh salad or garlic bread. For a spicy kick, toss in diced jalapeños or finish with a crispy topping under the broiler with extra cheese.