Introduction
Oh, hey there, friend! Remember those nights when you’re just craving something warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, but the thought of a million dishes just makes you want to order pizza? Yeah, I’ve been there too. That’s why I’m SO excited to share this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet recipe with you. It’s a total game-changer – think tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, all swimming in the most dreamy, cheesy, garlicky Cajun sauce. And the best part? It all comes together in ONE pan. Seriously, my kitchen smells amazing right now, and it’s all thanks to this little skillet magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: We’re talking weeknight-friendly speed!
- Easy: Minimal effort, maximum deliciousness.
- Giftable: Package up leftovers in cute containers for friends!
- Crowd-pleasing: Even the pickiest eaters will devour this.
Ingredients
Gather ’round, let’s see what deliciousness we need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut these into nice, bite-sized pieces so they cook up quickly and evenly.
- 12 oz rotini pasta: Those little twists are perfect for catching all that glorious sauce!
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes our sauce so wonderfully rich and creamy.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that essential melty, gooey goodness.
- ½ cup chicken broth: This adds depth of flavor and helps create our sauce base.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: A little salty, nutty magic to elevate the flavor.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because you can never have too much cheese, right?
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Our go-to for sautéing.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: This is where all that spicy, smoky flavor comes from! Adjust to your spice preference.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Get ready for some serious garlic aroma!
- 1 tablespoon butter: A little fat goes a long way for flavor and browning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Doubling down on the garlic because, well, why not?
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: A subtle savory boost.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The classic finishing touches.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of freshness and color – makes it look extra fancy!
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s as easy as 1-2-3 (well, 8 steps, but they’re super simple!):
- First things first, get your rotini pasta cooking according to the package directions. While that’s doing its thing, drain it and set it aside. Easy peasy!
- Now, let’s get the chicken going. Heat that olive oil in a nice, big skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your chicken pieces. Sprinkle them with that yummy Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until they’re nicely browned and cooked all the way through – this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, scoop that beautiful chicken out of the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet (we’re keeping things minimal here!), add that tablespoon of butter. Once it’s all melted and happy, add in your minced garlic. Give it a quick stir and let it cook until it’s super fragrant, just about a minute. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
- Pour in your chicken broth and that glorious heavy cream. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, stirring every now and then to make sure nothing sticks.
- Time for the cheese party! Stir in the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until all those cheeses have melted into a smooth, dreamy sauce. Oh my goodness, the smell!
- Now, let’s bring it all back together. Return your cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Then, add in that cooked rotini pasta.
- Give everything a good toss until all the pasta and chicken are beautifully coated in that amazing sauce and everything is heated through.
- Finally, give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Spoon this deliciousness into bowls and sprinkle generously with that fresh chopped parsley for a little burst of color and freshness.
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is already fantastic, but here are a few ideas to make it even more you:
- Spice Level: Don’t love too much heat? Use a milder Cajun seasoning or less of it. Want more kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Veggies: Feel free to toss in some bell peppers (any color!), onions, or even some spinach during the last few minutes of cooking the chicken to add some extra goodness.
- Protein Swap: If chicken isn’t your jam, cooked shrimp or even some Italian sausage would be delicious here.
- Pasta Shape: No rotini? Penne, farfalle (bow-ties), or even elbow macaroni will work beautifully.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks to ensure your skillet dinner is an absolute triumph:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your pasta to al dente (still has a slight bite). It will finish cooking in the sauce, and nobody likes mushy pasta!
- Low and Slow for the Sauce: Once you add the cream and broth, keep the heat at a simmer. Boiling can sometimes cause the cream to separate.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that can make your sauce a little less smooth. Grating your own from a block will give you the creamiest results.
- Prep Ahead: You can chop your chicken and mince your garlic a day in advance to make weeknight cooking even faster.
How to Store It
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the skillet cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay delicious for about 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems a little thick. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can cook the chicken and pasta separately and store them. Then, make the sauce and combine everything when you’re ready to serve. This helps prevent the pasta from getting too soft.
Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
Cajun seasoning has a blend of spices, which can include heat from ingredients like cayenne pepper. The spiciness can vary by brand. You can always adjust the amount you use or choose a mild blend if you prefer less heat.
What can I serve with this skillet meal?
This is a pretty complete meal on its own! If you’re looking for a little extra, a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into that amazing sauce would be perfect.
Why is my sauce not smooth?
This can happen if the sauce is boiled too vigorously or if pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents is used. Ensure you’re simmering gently and grating your own cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
Equipment
- Skillet Large skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust to spice preference
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts chicken breasts
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through (5-7 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts chicken breasts
- Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn.2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts chicken breasts
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts chicken breasts
- Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts chicken breasts
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked rotini pasta.2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts chicken breasts
- Toss everything together until pasta and chicken are coated in sauce and heated through.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley.2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts chicken breasts
Notes
Tips for success: don't overcook pasta, simmer sauce gently, grate your own cheese for creamier results, prep ingredients ahead of time.