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Close-up of a vibrant plate of Cajun Chicken Rotini, showcasing the creamy sauce and colorful vegetables.

Easy Cajun Chicken Rotini

This Easy Cajun Chicken Rotini is a quick and delicious weeknight meal packed with flavor. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked rotini are coated in a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce. It's customizable to your spice preference and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb rotini pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper any color
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2-3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta and set aside. Do not rinse.
  4. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  5. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
  6. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  7. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  8. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
  9. Add the remaining Cajun seasoning to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  10. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits.
  11. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  12. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  13. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
  14. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
  15. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more Cajun seasoning for extra spice, or salt and pepper to taste.
  16. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired.
  17. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Don't overcook the pasta. Adjust the spice level to your liking. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Deglaze the pan to add flavor. Don't boil the cream. Add vegetables for more nutrients. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of broth if needed. For variations, try using shrimp or sausage instead of chicken. To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and add more vegetables. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.