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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet with melted cheese and fresh parsley garnish

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

A creamy, comforting skillet dish with tender chicken, rich cheese sauce, and Cajun seasoning, served with rotini pasta.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 640

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken chunks evenly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring constantly.
  6. Add cheeses one handful at a time, whisking continuously until each addition melts completely before adding more. This prevents the sauce from breaking.
  7. Return cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until evenly coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
  8. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Cook pasta separately and don't overcook to maintain texture. Make sure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F. Add cheeses gradually to prevent sauce from breaking.