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- 12 oz rotini pasta - 2 tbsp olive oil - 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning - 1 tsp garlic powder - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced into small cubes - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing) Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini needs a few key ingredients. You start with rotini pasta. It holds sauce well and adds nice texture. Next, you need chicken breast. Dicing it into small pieces helps it cook fast and stay juicy. Cajun seasoning adds that famous kick. It brings warmth and flavor to the dish. Garlic powder gives a subtle hint of garlic. You also want fresh garlic for a punchier taste. The red bell pepper brings sweetness and color. Cherry tomatoes add freshness and a juicy burst. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a cheesy depth. Salt and black pepper balance all the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley brightens the dish as a garnish. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. This will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a dish that is both comforting and exciting. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a good pinch of salt to it. Bring the water to a full boil. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once boiling, add 12 oz of rotini pasta. Cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes, or until it's al dente. Stir it occasionally. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Keep a bit of the pasta water, just in case you need it later. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Sprinkle it with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes. Stir it often, making sure it cooks evenly. The chicken should be juicy and golden brown when done. Now, lower the heat to medium. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes. You want the bell pepper to soften and the tomatoes to release their juices. This adds great flavor to your dish. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Mix it well with the chicken and veggies. Let this simmer for 2-3 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken. After that, add the drained rotini to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated. Gradually fold in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into the sauce. If it seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Taste your Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Once you're happy with the taste, remove the skillet from the heat. To serve, garnish with fresh chopped parsley. This adds a nice color and flavor. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. Enjoy your meal! To enhance your Cajun garlic chicken rotini, spice levels matter. Start with one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. If you crave more heat, add a pinch at a time. Taste as you go to find your sweet spot. Choosing the right Cajun seasoning is key. Look for a blend with paprika, cayenne, and herbs. I recommend trying different brands. Each one offers a unique flavor that can change your dish. For a thick and creamy sauce, let it simmer. Use heavy cream and allow it to cook down. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Pasta water is your secret weapon. Save a cup before draining. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of that starchy water. It helps achieve the perfect consistency. Pair your rotini with crusty garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. You can also add a side salad with fresh greens for balance. For presentation, serve in deep bowls. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. Finish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley. This adds color and makes the dish pop. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free rotini for a healthier twist, enhancing both nutrition and flavor. Enhance the Flavor: Marinate the chicken in Cajun seasoning and a splash of lemon juice for at least 30 minutes before cooking to deepen the flavors. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra color and nutrients. Perfectly Creamy Sauce: For a silkier texture, whisk in a tablespoon of cream cheese when adding the heavy cream. {{image_4}} You can easily swap chicken for other proteins. Shrimp works well in this dish. It cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. You can also use sausage for a hearty touch. Chorizo brings a nice spice, while turkey is a lean option. Just adjust the cooking time for different proteins. For a meatless dish, replace chicken with veggies. Try using mushrooms for a meaty texture. Zucchini and spinach also add great flavors. Chickpeas or lentils can boost the protein. Always sauté the veggies until tender for the best taste. Want it spicier? Add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. Sliced jalapeños can also heat things up. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning. Cream can help tone down the heat as well. Always taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. To keep your Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool first to avoid steam buildup. Place it in the fridge within two hours after cooking. This dish stays good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the dish to cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Your rotini can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are a few good methods. You can use the microwave for quick reheating. Just cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. You can also reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir often until it’s hot. Enjoy your meal! Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini lasts about three to four days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. Yes, you can make this dish without heavy cream. Use milk or a plant-based alternative instead. You can also add a bit of flour to thicken the sauce. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, mix paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. This mix gives a nice kick. You can adjust the heat level to your taste. Rotini is a great choice for this dish. Its twists hold the sauce well, making each bite flavorful. You can also use penne or fusilli if you prefer. You learned how to make Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini with simple steps and tasty tips. I shared ingredient details, cooking methods, and fun variations. This dish is easy to adapt for different diets and spice levels. Remember to taste as you go for the best flavor. Whether you enjoy it fresh or save it for later, it’s sure to please. Dive into this delicious dish, and let your cooking shine!

Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini

A flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken, Cajun spices, and a creamy sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced into small cubes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • for garnishing fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a bit of pasta water in case you need it later.
  • Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is juicy, golden brown, and cooked through.
  • Add the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the bell pepper is tender and the tomatoes soften, releasing their juices.
  • Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream while stirring to combine with the chicken and vegetables. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly—this will enhance the flavors beautifully.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained rotini into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Gradually fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and incorporates into the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  • Final Seasoning: Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or black pepper as desired.
  • Serve: Once well mixed, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta