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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

A creamy, spicy, and comforting skillet dinner featuring Cajun-seasoned chicken, garlicky cream sauce, and three types of melty cheese that comes together quickly.

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

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks)
  • 12 oz Rotini Pasta (can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (can replace with canola or vegetable oil)
  • 1 tablespoon Butter (can substitute with olive oil for dairy-free)
  • 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)
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Broth (vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (light cream or coconut cream can be alternatives)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
  • 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded, reserve a little for topping)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté minced garlic for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
  3. 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.
  4. Meanwhile, cook rotini according to package directions until al dente; drain and add pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
  5. 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.
  6. Finish with chopped parsley and an extra pinch of Cajun seasoning for color and kick. Serve hot.

Notes

For flexibility, swap pasta, proteins, or make it dairy-free. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

  • Author: jayne
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Cajun
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free option

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Cheesy, Cajun, Chicken, Skillet, Pasta, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food