Cheesy Cajun Garlic Rotini Skillet (Printer-Friendly)

Cajun-spiced chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and tender rotini combine for a dish packed with zest and comfort.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta

02 - 12 ounces rotini pasta, uncooked

→ Oils and Fats

03 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
04 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Seasonings

05 - 2 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
09 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

→ Aromatics

10 - 4 large garlic cloves, minced

→ Sauce Base

11 - 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
12 - 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

→ Cheese

13 - 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese

→ Fresh Herbs

16 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Toss chicken pieces evenly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to coat thoroughly.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
03 - Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
04 - Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to deglaze the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Stir gently until cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
05 - Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain pasta.
06 - Add cooked rotini to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss well to coat pasta. Use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
07 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet and gently mix to combine. Warm through over low heat, check seasoning, and adjust if necessary. Top with fresh parsley before serving.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Shred cheeses fresh for optimal melting and texture in the sauce.
02 - For a milder or spicier dish, adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to taste.
03 - Leftovers reheat best with a splash of milk or broth over low heat.

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