Description
Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and bold Cajun flavor. A quick, comforting crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 8 ounces (225g) rotini pasta
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese blend (equal parts cheddar, monterey jack, and mozzarella work perfectly)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring to develop a nice sear. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for another 3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Step 3: Cook the Pasta Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning over the vegetables and stir to coat. Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Step 4: Create the Cheesy Sauce Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Remove the skillet from heat and gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring constantly until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Finish and Serve Taste the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley. Let the skillet rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation or transfer to a serving dish.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sauté, Boil, Simmer
- Cuisine: Americaine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe