Description
A one-skillet wonder with Cajun-spiced chicken, tender rotini pasta, and a creamy trio of cheeses packed with bold Southern flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
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12 oz rotini pasta
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions—usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure not to overcook it. Al dente pasta will hold its texture and soak up the cheesy sauce better later on.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet (do not wipe it clean—those brown bits mean flavor!), melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Now, stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted into a silky, creamy sauce. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the back of a spoon. If it becomes too thick, add a splash more broth or cream to loosen it.
Return the cooked chicken and drained rotini pasta to the skillet. Gently fold everything together, making sure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let the dish simmer for 2–3 more minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. For extra indulgence, top with a bit more shredded cheese. Serve hot directly from the skillet for that rustic, homey touch—and watch as it disappears quickly!
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed based on your Cajun blend. Make it your own with veggies or different proteins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta, Cajun chicken, rotini skillet, garlic chicken pasta