Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with a Cajun blend and paired with garlic-infused pasta, creating a creamy and spicy meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Chicken Breasts (Substitute with chicken thighs if desired.)
• 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (Can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli.)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Essential for cooking the chicken.)
• 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (Adjust according to spice tolerance.)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic is also a good option.)
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Can be omitted if not desired.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season the chicken breasts evenly with this spice mix on both sides.
3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, you can add a bit more olive oil if needed and toss the cooked pasta in to absorb some flavor. Slice the chicken and place on top of the pasta.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately while warm, optionally topped with shredded cheese or fresh herbs for extra richness.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful option.
• Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
• Add a splash of cream or a handful of shredded cheese to the pasta in step 4 for a creamy sauce.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit onion powder to suit your taste preferences.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to keep the pasta moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with penne, farfalle, fusilli, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.

Is it possible to make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely. Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild blend. You can also omit the onion powder to further soften the flavor.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 149 reviews

A flavorful and creamy Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, cooked to perfection and combined with a cheesy garlic sauce and rotini pasta. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a delightful blend of spicy, garlicky, and cheesy flavors.

• Author: Matteo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 pound Chicken Breasts (Substitute with chicken thighs if desired.)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Essential for cooking the chicken.)
• 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (Adjust according to spice tolerance.)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic is also a good option.)
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Can be omitted if not desired.)

Pasta

• 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (Can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli.)

Cheese Sauce

• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add back to the skillet. Stir in the cooked pasta and toss everything together to coat in the creamy cheese sauce. Heat through for 2-3 minutes, then serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired.

Notes

• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning for your preferred spice level.
• Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more intense flavor.
• Try different pasta shapes like penne or farfalle as per preference.
• For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though sauce will be less rich.

Keywords: Cheesy Cajun Chicken, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Garlic Chicken, Creamy Chicken Pasta, One Pan Chicken Dinner