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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet served in a skillet

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

A creamy, cheesy dish with a Cajun kick and tender chicken, perfect for cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Cajun
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 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
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning substitute with a different spice mix for a milder taste
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder can use fresh minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon Onion Powder omit if unavailable
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Butter can substitute with olive oil for dairy-free
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream light cream or coconut cream can be alternatives
  • ½ cup Chicken Broth vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian option
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
  • ½ cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

Prep and Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Season the Chicken

  • In a large bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken chunks with the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Brown the Chicken

  • Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes, then flip the pieces and cook another 2–3 minutes until golden.

Build the Sauce

  • Reduce heat to medium, add butter, minced garlic, and sauté for 30–45 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Combine and Cheese it Up

  • Return the chicken to the skillet, add drained rotini and toss. Sprinkle cheeses over the top and cover for 2–3 minutes to melt.

Finish and Garnish

  • Remove from heat, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

If dairy-free, use olive oil, coconut cream, and dairy-free cheeses. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 37gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 14gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g
Keyword Cajun, Chicken, Comfort Food, One-Pan Meal, Pasta
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