Description
A flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, rotini pasta, a creamy Cajun garlic sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
1 small yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk (any kind)
8 oz rotini pasta, uncooked
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1.5 cups shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with 1.5 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Add chicken to the hot skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and remaining 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Step 5: Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta. Ensure pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more liquid (water or milk) if the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend over the top of the pasta. Cover again for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the Cajun seasoning. If you don't have rotini, penne or farfalle pasta can be used.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American (Southern/Cajun inspired)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 180mg