Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside. Do not rinse.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
- Toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 6-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer with small bubbles breaking the surface.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Stir constantly until cheeses melt completely and sauce is smooth with no lumps, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked rotini and browned chicken back to the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together until pasta and chicken are fully coated in the cheese sauce.
- Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and allow pasta to absorb some sauce. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while cheese is melted and creamy.
Notes
Storage: Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating. Reheating: Reheat in skillet over medium heat with splash of milk or chicken broth, or microwave 2-3 minutes stirring halfway. Variations: Use chicken thighs for more flavor. Add shrimp in last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Try andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor. Vegetarian: Replace chicken with sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Spicy: Double Cajun seasoning or add cayenne and hot sauce. Cheese: Try Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for different flavors. Pasta: Works with penne, farfalle, fusilli, or any short pasta shape.
