Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
A one-skillet dinner featuring bold Cajun flavors and creamy cheese, perfect for weeknight meals and family dinners.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks)
Pasta
- 12 oz Rotini Pasta (can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli)
Fats & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (can replace with canola or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (can substitute with olive oil for dairy-free)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (light cream or coconut cream can be alternatives)
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (substitute with a different spice mix for a milder taste)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (can use fresh minced garlic)
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder (omit if unavailable)
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Aromatics & Broth
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth (vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian option)
Cheeses & Toppings
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded) (reserve a little for topping)
Herbs
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Preparation
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through; remove and set aside.
Cooking
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté minced garlic for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in cheeses (reserve a little cheddar for topping) until melted and smooth.
- Meanwhile, cook rotini according to package directions until al dente; drain and add pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Return chicken to the skillet, mix gently so chicken is warmed and coated.
- Sprinkle reserved cheddar and extra mozzarella on top, cover briefly until cheese melts.
- Finish with chopped parsley and an extra pinch of Cajun seasoning for color and kick.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Serve with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or warm garlic bread. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste based on your spice preference.