Name: Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks; 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (canola or vegetable oil as substitute); 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (use milder spice mix if preferred); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or fresh minced garlic); 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder (optional); Salt and Pepper, to taste; 12 oz Rotini Pasta (penne, farfalle, or fusilli can be used); 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Butter (or olive oil for dairy-free); 1 cup Heavy Cream (light cream or coconut cream alternatives); 1/2 cup Chicken Broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian option); 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated; 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped

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)

1/2 teaspoon onion powder (omit if unavailable)

Salt and pepper to taste

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)

1/2 cup chicken broth (vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian option)

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently. Let the mixture simmer, then stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Return the cooked rotini and chicken to the skillet. Toss gently in the cheese sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot, adding extra cheese on top if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, reduce or replace Cajun seasoning with paprika and garlic powder.

Use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a more pronounced garlic taste.

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase the nutritional value and add color.

Use leftover cooked chicken to speed up preparation time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with penne, farfalle, fusilli, or any other pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?

Absolutely. Replace butter with olive oil and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream. You can also use dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep the dish creamy.