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Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Tasty Weeknight Dinner

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To make Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini, you need these key ingredients: - 12 oz rotini pasta - 2 tbsp olive oil - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning - 1 tsp garlic powder - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a rich flavor that stands out. The rotini pasta holds the sauce well, making each bite tasty. You can enhance the dish with some optional ingredients: - 1 small onion, diced - 1 tsp smoked paprika - A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat - Fresh lemon juice for brightness These add-ins can bring more depth to the dish. You can mix and match based on your taste. Garnishing your dish makes it look great and adds fresh flavor. Here are some choices: - Fresh parsley, chopped - Extra grated Parmesan cheese - Crushed red pepper flakes for heat Garnishes not only elevate the look but also add freshness. Enjoy your meal with a pop of color and flavor! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Add 12 oz of rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package's directions until it's al dente. This takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This pasta is the base of your dish. Next, take a large skillet and heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of diced chicken breast to the skillet. Sprinkle 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning and 1 tsp of garlic powder over the chicken. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. It should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. 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 about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken. Next, add the cooked rotini to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Gradually mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts. Taste your dish and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this tasty meal! To get great chicken, start with fresh breast pieces. Cut them into small, even cubes. This helps them cook fast and evenly. Use Cajun seasoning to bring out the flavor. Cook the chicken in hot olive oil. This keeps it juicy and gives it a nice brown color. Don’t crowd the pan. If it’s too full, the chicken will steam, not brown. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s done. For a rich and creamy sauce, use heavy cream. After you add it to the skillet, let it simmer for a few minutes. This helps the sauce thicken. Stir it well to mix it with the chicken and veggies. Adding grated Parmesan cheese makes it even creamier. Make sure the cheese melts fully into the sauce for the best taste. Serve your Cajun garlic chicken rotini in deep bowls. This adds a nice touch. Drizzle some olive oil on top for shine. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for color and flavor. A side of garlic bread pairs well with the dish. This makes a complete meal that looks as good as it tastes. Enjoy your dinner! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your rotini al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This helps prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce. Enhance the Cajun Flavor: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the sauce for a more intense Cajun experience. Adding Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can elevate the dish. Stir in chopped fresh herbs just before serving for a burst of freshness. Leftover Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to revive the sauce. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for tasty veggies. Try using: - Tofu, cubed and sautéed - Mushrooms, sliced for a meaty texture - Chickpeas for protein and heartiness - Cauliflower, chopped for a nice crunch These options keep the dish filling and flavorful. Season them just like the chicken. Cook until golden for a great taste. You can change the spice level to fit your taste. For mild heat, use less Cajun seasoning. A teaspoon can still add nice flavor. For more heat, try: - Extra Cajun seasoning - A pinch of cayenne pepper - Diced jalapeños for a fresh kick Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. Add more ingredients for a unique twist. Consider: - Spinach, for color and health benefits - Artichoke hearts, for a tangy flavor - Bell peppers, in different colors for sweetness These ingredients boost flavor and nutrition. Feel free to experiment! Each twist brings new joy to your plate. To keep Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavors and moisture. Store the container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If it starts to smell or look off, toss it out. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy. Heat over medium-low until warm. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use the microwave. Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to freeze your dish, this works well, too! Portion out the rotini into freezer-safe bags. Leave some space in the bag for air. Seal tightly and label with the date. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To use, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You may need to add a little cream when warming it up to restore the sauce's texture. To add heat, use more Cajun seasoning. Start with an extra teaspoon. You can also add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. These will boost the spice level without changing the dish too much. Adjust the heat to your taste as you cook. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Fusilli, penne, or even spaghetti work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type. Follow the package instructions for best results. Each type will give a different texture but still taste great. To make this dish dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. This keeps the creamy texture while making it suitable for those with dairy allergies. Enjoy the same great flavors without the dairy! This blog post covered how to make Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini. We explored the key ingredients, the steps for cooking, and tips for best results. I shared ways to customize the dish for your taste, like spice levels and vegetarian options. Finally, I provided storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. With these insights, you can enjoy a flavorful meal that impresses everyone. Try out the steps, and make it your own! Happy cooking!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner? Try my Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini! This dish packs a punch with spices and creamy sauce, making it a perfect weeknight meal. If you love bold flavors and easy cooking, you’re in for a treat. Join me as I walk you through making this delicious and satisfying dinner that your family will adore. Let’s get cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Bold Flavors: The combination of Cajun seasoning and garlic creates a robust and zesty flavor profile that excites the palate.
  2. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
  3. One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean up afterward since everything is cooked in one skillet with the pasta.
  4. Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini

To make Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini, you need these key ingredients:

– 12 oz rotini pasta

– 2 tbsp olive oil

– 1 lb chicken breast, diced

– 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

– 1 tsp garlic powder

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 red bell pepper, diced

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients create a rich flavor that stands out. The rotini pasta holds the sauce well, making each bite tasty.

Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor

You can enhance the dish with some optional ingredients:

– 1 small onion, diced

– 1 tsp smoked paprika

– A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat

– Fresh lemon juice for brightness

These add-ins can bring more depth to the dish. You can mix and match based on your taste.

Recommended Garnishes

Garnishing your dish makes it look great and adds fresh flavor. Here are some choices:

– Fresh parsley, chopped

– Extra grated Parmesan cheese

– Crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Garnishes not only elevate the look but also add freshness. Enjoy your meal with a pop of color and flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Rotini Pasta

To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Add 12 oz of rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package’s directions until it’s al dente. This takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This pasta is the base of your dish.

Sautéing the Chicken to Perfection

Next, take a large skillet and heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of diced chicken breast to the skillet. Sprinkle 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning and 1 tsp of garlic powder over the chicken. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. It should turn golden brown and be fully cooked.

Preparing the Creamy Sauce and Combining

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 about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken. Next, add the cooked rotini to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Gradually mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts. Taste your dish and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this tasty meal!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken

To get great chicken, start with fresh breast pieces. Cut them into small, even cubes. This helps them cook fast and evenly. Use Cajun seasoning to bring out the flavor. Cook the chicken in hot olive oil. This keeps it juicy and gives it a nice brown color. Don’t crowd the pan. If it’s too full, the chicken will steam, not brown. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s done.

How to Achieve a Creamy Sauce

For a rich and creamy sauce, use heavy cream. After you add it to the skillet, let it simmer for a few minutes. This helps the sauce thicken. Stir it well to mix it with the chicken and veggies. Adding grated Parmesan cheese makes it even creamier. Make sure the cheese melts fully into the sauce for the best taste.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

Serve your Cajun garlic chicken rotini in deep bowls. This adds a nice touch. Drizzle some olive oil on top for shine. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for color and flavor. A side of garlic bread pairs well with the dish. This makes a complete meal that looks as good as it tastes. Enjoy your dinner!

Pro Tips

  1. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your rotini al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This helps prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
  2. Enhance the Cajun Flavor: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the sauce for a more intense Cajun experience.
  3. Adding Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can elevate the dish. Stir in chopped fresh herbs just before serving for a burst of freshness.
  4. Leftover Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to revive the sauce.

Variations

Vegetarian Options: Substitutes for Chicken

You can swap chicken for tasty veggies. Try using:

– Tofu, cubed and sautéed

– Mushrooms, sliced for a meaty texture

– Chickpeas for protein and heartiness

– Cauliflower, chopped for a nice crunch

These options keep the dish filling and flavorful. Season them just like the chicken. Cook until golden for a great taste.

Spice Level Adjustments: Mild to Extra Spicy

You can change the spice level to fit your taste. For mild heat, use less Cajun seasoning. A teaspoon can still add nice flavor.

For more heat, try:

– Extra Cajun seasoning

– A pinch of cayenne pepper

– Diced jalapeños for a fresh kick

Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level.

Additional Ingredients to Enhance the Dish

Add more ingredients for a unique twist. Consider:

– Spinach, for color and health benefits

– Artichoke hearts, for a tangy flavor

– Bell peppers, in different colors for sweetness

These ingredients boost flavor and nutrition. Feel free to experiment! Each twist brings new joy to your plate.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers Properly

To keep Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavors and moisture. Store the container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If it starts to smell or look off, toss it out.

Reheating Instructions for Best Results

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy. Heat over medium-low until warm. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use the microwave. Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.

Tips for Freezing Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini

If you want to freeze your dish, this works well, too! Portion out the rotini into freezer-safe bags. Leave some space in the bag for air. Seal tightly and label with the date. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To use, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You may need to add a little cream when warming it up to restore the sauce’s texture.

FAQs

What is the best way to make this dish spicy?

To add heat, use more Cajun seasoning. Start with an extra teaspoon. You can also add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. These will boost the spice level without changing the dish too much. Adjust the heat to your taste as you cook.

Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Fusilli, penne, or even spaghetti work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type. Follow the package instructions for best results. Each type will give a different texture but still taste great.

How can I make Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. This keeps the creamy texture while making it suitable for those with dairy allergies. Enjoy the same great flavors without the dairy!

This blog post covered how to make Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini. We explored the key ingredients, the steps for cooking, and tips for best results. I shared ways to customize the dish for your taste, like spice levels and vegetarian options. Finally, I provided storage tips to keep leftovers fresh.

With these insights, you can enjoy a flavorful meal that impresses everyone. Try out the steps, and make it your own! Happy cookin

To make Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini, you need these key ingredients: - 12 oz rotini pasta - 2 tbsp olive oil - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning - 1 tsp garlic powder - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a rich flavor that stands out. The rotini pasta holds the sauce well, making each bite tasty. You can enhance the dish with some optional ingredients: - 1 small onion, diced - 1 tsp smoked paprika - A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat - Fresh lemon juice for brightness These add-ins can bring more depth to the dish. You can mix and match based on your taste. Garnishing your dish makes it look great and adds fresh flavor. Here are some choices: - Fresh parsley, chopped - Extra grated Parmesan cheese - Crushed red pepper flakes for heat Garnishes not only elevate the look but also add freshness. Enjoy your meal with a pop of color and flavor! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Add 12 oz of rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package's directions until it's al dente. This takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This pasta is the base of your dish. Next, take a large skillet and heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of diced chicken breast to the skillet. Sprinkle 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning and 1 tsp of garlic powder over the chicken. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. It should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. 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 about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken. Next, add the cooked rotini to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Gradually mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts. Taste your dish and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this tasty meal! To get great chicken, start with fresh breast pieces. Cut them into small, even cubes. This helps them cook fast and evenly. Use Cajun seasoning to bring out the flavor. Cook the chicken in hot olive oil. This keeps it juicy and gives it a nice brown color. Don’t crowd the pan. If it’s too full, the chicken will steam, not brown. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s done. For a rich and creamy sauce, use heavy cream. After you add it to the skillet, let it simmer for a few minutes. This helps the sauce thicken. Stir it well to mix it with the chicken and veggies. Adding grated Parmesan cheese makes it even creamier. Make sure the cheese melts fully into the sauce for the best taste. Serve your Cajun garlic chicken rotini in deep bowls. This adds a nice touch. Drizzle some olive oil on top for shine. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for color and flavor. A side of garlic bread pairs well with the dish. This makes a complete meal that looks as good as it tastes. Enjoy your dinner! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your rotini al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This helps prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce. Enhance the Cajun Flavor: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the sauce for a more intense Cajun experience. Adding Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can elevate the dish. Stir in chopped fresh herbs just before serving for a burst of freshness. Leftover Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to revive the sauce. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for tasty veggies. Try using: - Tofu, cubed and sautéed - Mushrooms, sliced for a meaty texture - Chickpeas for protein and heartiness - Cauliflower, chopped for a nice crunch These options keep the dish filling and flavorful. Season them just like the chicken. Cook until golden for a great taste. You can change the spice level to fit your taste. For mild heat, use less Cajun seasoning. A teaspoon can still add nice flavor. For more heat, try: - Extra Cajun seasoning - A pinch of cayenne pepper - Diced jalapeños for a fresh kick Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. Add more ingredients for a unique twist. Consider: - Spinach, for color and health benefits - Artichoke hearts, for a tangy flavor - Bell peppers, in different colors for sweetness These ingredients boost flavor and nutrition. Feel free to experiment! Each twist brings new joy to your plate. To keep Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavors and moisture. Store the container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If it starts to smell or look off, toss it out. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy. Heat over medium-low until warm. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use the microwave. Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to freeze your dish, this works well, too! Portion out the rotini into freezer-safe bags. Leave some space in the bag for air. Seal tightly and label with the date. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To use, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You may need to add a little cream when warming it up to restore the sauce's texture. To add heat, use more Cajun seasoning. Start with an extra teaspoon. You can also add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. These will boost the spice level without changing the dish too much. Adjust the heat to your taste as you cook. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Fusilli, penne, or even spaghetti work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type. Follow the package instructions for best results. Each type will give a different texture but still taste great. To make this dish dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. This keeps the creamy texture while making it suitable for those with dairy allergies. Enjoy the same great flavors without the dairy! This blog post covered how to make Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini. We explored the key ingredients, the steps for cooking, and tips for best results. I shared ways to customize the dish for your taste, like spice levels and vegetarian options. Finally, I provided storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. With these insights, you can enjoy a flavorful meal that impresses everyone. Try out the steps, and make it your own! Happy cooking!

Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish with Cajun-seasoned chicken and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
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
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rotini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  • Lower the heat to medium, then add minced garlic, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine with the chicken and vegetables. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls with extra olive oil and Parmesan for garnish.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta

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