Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini: A Simple Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce and perfectly cooked rotini pasta. It’s easy to prepare and makes a satisfying meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb rotini pasta
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
2. Step 2: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
3. Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Step 4: Add the coated chicken to the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Step 5: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion for 3-5 minutes until softened.
6. Step 6: Add the minced garlic and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender but still crisp.
7. Step 7: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Step 9: While the sauce simmers, cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions, adding a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
10. Step 10: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to combine well.
11. Step 11: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir gently to coat it in the sauce.
12. Step 12: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
13. Step 13: Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Try adding sliced mushrooms or zucchini for additional vegetables.

Storage

Store any 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 chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or bowtie work well in this recipe. Just cook according to package instructions.

Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a moderate level of heat from the cayenne and Cajun spices, but you can adjust the spice level up or down to suit your taste.

Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini: A Simple Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 118 reviews

• Author: Ben
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini recipe features tender, flavorful chicken coated in a Cajun spice blend, cooked to golden perfection, and tossed with rotini pasta and a creamy, savory vegetable sauce. It’s a comforting, spicy dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Coating

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano

Pasta

• 1 lb rotini pasta

Vegetables and Sauce

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cajun Coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano until well combined to create the Cajun seasoning flour mixture.
2. Coat the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them thoroughly with the seasoning mixture until each piece is evenly coated, ensuring full flavor coverage.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot enough for frying.
4. Cook the Chicken: Add the coated chicken to the skillet in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the cooked chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, cook the chopped onion for 3-5 minutes over medium heat until it becomes soft and translucent.
6. Add Garlic and Peppers: Stir in the minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
7. Make the Sauce: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
8. Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or cayenne pepper if desired.
9. Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions, adding a pinch of salt to the boiling water to enhance flavor. Drain the pasta once al dente.
10. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce and toss well to coat each piece of pasta in the flavorful sauce.
11. Add Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently stir to combine everything evenly without breaking the chicken pieces.
12. Finish with Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh flavor addition.
13. Serve: Serve the Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini immediately, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Notes

• Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the level of spice to your preference.
• Using a heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
• Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed on each side to achieve a nice golden crust.
• Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley, but use about 1 tablespoon dried.
• For a lower-fat option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying chicken to get the best texture and avoid steaming.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun, American

Keywords: Cajun chicken, garlic chicken, rotini pasta, spicy chicken pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, skillet chicken recipe