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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

A quick and easy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, rotini pasta, creamy sauce, and vibrant vegetables for a delicious family dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste.
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Be careful not to burn the garlic!
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a healthier option, substitute with a cream alternative or Greek yogurt.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt To taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper To taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Optional for extra heat.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1 cup spinach leaves, roughly chopped Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have on hand!
  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  2. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Allow it to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, alongside the diced bell peppers and spinach. Stir well to combine and let everything heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add the drained rotini to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
Finishing
  1. Garnish with sliced green onions on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce's consistency. Pair with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.