Description
How to make creamy Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini with tender pasta and bold spices that creates the perfect comfort food dinner in one skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
Flavor Builders
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Seasonings
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cheese & Garnish
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water for later if needed.
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season with half the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. This ensures even coating and better browning in the skillet.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add butter to same skillet. Sauté onion and bell pepper 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Add remaining Cajun seasoning and paprika. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and aromatic.
- Combine Everything: Return chicken to skillet, add cooked pasta and toss. Remove from heat and stir in both cheeses until melted and creamy throughout.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with sliced green onions and fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is still perfectly melted and stretchy.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken or it becomes tough and dry.
- Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent breaking.
- Reserve pasta water to thin sauce if needed during reheating.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts much smoother than pre-shredded.
- Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Add splash of cream when reheating to restore consistency.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g