🌶️ Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet – Creamy, Spicy & Comforting

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I. Recipe Card

✨ Recipe Name & Tagline
Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet – Tender chicken, al dente rotini, and a trio of melted cheeses all bathed in a rich, creamy, Cajun-spiced garlic sauce—comfort in every bite.

Servings & Timing

  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

  • Dietary Tags: High‑Protein | One‑Pan Meal | Family‑Approved | W-W Smart Modifiable

🛒 Ingredients Checklist

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks

  • 12 oz rotini pasta

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil

  • 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 Tbsp butter

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🔪 Quick Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Boil salted water, cook rotini until al dente, drain.

  2. Season & sauté chicken: Toss chicken with Cajun, garlic, onion powders; brown in olive oil. Set aside.

  3. Build the sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, pour in broth and cream, simmer.

  4. Cheese time: Add mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar; stir until smooth.

  5. Bring it together: Stir chicken and pasta into cheesy sauce, simmer to meld flavors.

  6. Garnish & enjoy: Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot—with extra cheese if you want to go all out!

Notes:

  • Use light cream or half-and-half and reduce cheese for a lighter W-W friendly version.

  • This one‑pan meal means fewer dishes and more flavor!

II. Brief Introduction

Craving something rich, spicy, and super comforting with minimal fuss? This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet delivers exactly that. With juicy Cajun chicken, three types of melty cheese, and garlic goodness—all in one skillet—it’s one of my favorite go-to meals for busy nights. It’s easy to throw together but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

III. Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a pot of salted water to boil.

  • Cook 12 oz rotini until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Season & Sauté Chicken

  • Mix 2 tsp olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper with chicken chunks.

  • Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Add chicken, cook 6–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Build the Sauce

  • In the same skillet, melt 1 Tbsp butter.

  • Add 4 cloves minced garlic, sauté 1 minute.

  • Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Melt the Cheese

  • Add 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, and ½ cup cheddar.

  • Stir until the sauce is silky and smooth.

5. Combine Everything

  • Add cooked rotini and chicken, stirring until well coated.

  • Let simmer 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld.

6. Garnish & Serve

  • Off heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley and add extra cheese if desired.

  • Serve straight from the skillet—it’s big, bold, and totally cozy.

IV. Ingredient Tips & Substitutions

  • Chicken: Boneless thighs work well and stay juicier.

  • Pasta: Swap for whole‐wheat rotini or a low‑carb option.

  • Dairy: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk plus ½ cup cheese for a lighter version.

  • Cheese blend: Feel free to mix in pepper jack or smoked gouda for extra depth.

W-W Friendly Tips:

  • Use light cream or half-and-half

  • Choose reduced-fat cheese

  • Increase chicken and veggies (e.g. broccoli, bell peppers) for bulk

  • Use lower-fat pasta or reduce portion size

V. Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas

Twists to Try:

  • Spicy: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños

  • Veggie-packed: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas near the end

  • Cheesy Crunch: Sprinkle with breadcrumbs before baking for a crust

Serving Suggestions:

  • Garlic bread or lightly buttered rolls

  • Side salad with citrus vinaigrette to cut richness

  • Steamed green beans or zucchini ribbons

VI. Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Fridge:

  • Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.

  • Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth.

Freezer:

  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers.

  • Thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Make-Ahead:

  • Cook chicken ahead and freeze, or prep pasta in advance.

  • Assemble and reheat before meals—fast and fuss-free!

VII. Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approx.)

Calories Protein Carbs Fat
720 55g 52g 32g

W-W Smart Version Estimate:

  • ~560 kcal | 55g protein | 38g carbs | 20g fat

  • ~10–12 W-W Points depending on cheese and pasta choices

VIII. FAQs

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Try almond milk + nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor—keep in mind texture will differ.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely! Just add it in when reheating to avoid overcooking.

Q: How can I make it gluten-free?
A: Use GF rotini and confirm Cajun seasoning is GF-friendly.

IX. Kristy’s Note

This skillet is one of my favorite “wow” meals—so easy but packed with flavor. The creamy Cajun garlic sauce is what dreams are made of. It’s restaurant-worthy, yet totally doable on a busy weeknight. And with simple swaps, it’s easy to fit into your W-W journey without missing out on that cozy indulgence. 🥘💛

X. More One‑Pan Comfort Meals

  • 🍲 Creamy Lemon Tuscan Chicken Skillet

  • 🌶️ Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta

  • 🍄 Garlic Herb Mushroom & Chicken Risotto

  • 🥦 W-W Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Pasta Bake

XI. Call to Action

Tried this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini? Share your skillet scoop with me—tag @KristyCookRecipes, leave a ⭐ rating, or drop your tweaks in the comments. Let’s make comfort food fit our goals—one cheesy bite at a time!

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