Here’s a delicious Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet recipe—creamy, spicy, and perfect for a one-pan dinner!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1–2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook rotini according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Cook chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning.
- Cook chicken in skillet until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
- Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Make the creamy sauce:
- Lower heat to medium.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine everything:
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Add cooked rotini and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover, and let melt, about 2–3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Serve hot, straight from the skillet.
💡 Tips:
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or more Cajun seasoning.
- Swap rotini for penne or fettuccine if you prefer a different pasta shape.
- You can add veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
If you want, I can give a shortcut version using a single skillet from start to finish, including cooking the pasta right in the sauce so it’s ultra-easy and only one pan to clean. Do you want that version?
