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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

A one-pan, comforting, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, cheesy, garlicky Cajun sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 4

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

To make it even more you: adjust spice level with Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper; add bell peppers, onions, or spinach with the chicken; swap chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage; use penne, farfalle, or elbow macaroni if no rotini is available.
Tips for success: don't overcook pasta, simmer sauce gently, grate your own cheese for creamier results, prep ingredients ahead of time.