Description
A hearty, cheesy pasta dish with a kick that features tender chicken and a rich, creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices, all cooked in one skillet.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1.5 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
1 large Yellow Onion, diced
1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
4 cloves Garlic, minced
3 cups Chicken Broth
1.5 cups Heavy Cream
12 ounces Rotini Pasta
1 cup Shredded Colby Jack Cheese
1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese, plus extra for serving
1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley, for garnish
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels. Toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant
- Build the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate any browned bits
- Add the Pasta: Stir in rotini pasta, ensuring it is mostly submerged. Bring back to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid has absorbed
- Combine and Finish: Once pasta is cooked, stir in cooked chicken, Colby Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot
Notes
Don't overcrowd the skillet when browning chicken to ensure even cooking.
Taste and adjust seasoning before adding cheese for best flavor balance.
For extra creaminess, mix in a tablespoon of cream cheese at the end if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg