One-Pan Cajun Chicken Rotini: Bold Weeknight Flavor in Under 30 Minutes

Easy Cajun Chicken Rotini

Introduction

Craving a weeknight dinner that’s big on flavor, quick to make, and sure to satisfy everyone at the table? Easy Cajun Chicken Rotini answers the call. This one-pan dish delivers the perfect blend of spicy Cajun seasonings, juicy chicken, and comforting pasta—all in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or spice lovers, it’s a surefire crowd pleaser that brings restaurant-worthy taste right to your home.

Why This Easy Cajun Chicken Rotini Stands Out

Layers of flavor are built fast with this recipe: a homemade (or store-bought) Cajun spice blend, tender rotini pasta, and a creamy, savory sauce that clings to every bite. Chicken breasts cook up juicy in no time, and bell peppers add color and crunch. Minimal prep and a single skillet make this an irresistible option for busy schedules and meal prep alike.

Perfecting That Signature Cajun Flavor

Don’t let Cajun seasoning intimidate you—this recipe lets you customize the spice level to your taste. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for homemade heat, or use your favorite store-bought blend. Cooking chicken with the spices first ensures maximum flavor, while tossing everything together at the end unites the dish in a rich, creamy sauce.

Assembling Your Easy Cajun Chicken Rotini

Once your pasta is al dente and chicken cooked through, everything comes together in the pan with a swirl of cream or half-and-half. This step transforms the Cajun spices into a lush sauce that soaks into the rotini and veggies. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh herbs for a touch of freshness and extra depth.

Serving Suggestions for a Festive Cajun Chicken Rotini Dinner

Serve this bold pasta with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm garlic bread to round out the meal. For a lighter version, swap in zoodles or whole wheat rotini, or toss in fresh spinach at the end for a pop of color and nutrition.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings. Each portion provides approximately 450–500 calories (depending on cream and cheese usage), packed with protein, vibrant veggies, and the perfect hint of spice.

Easy Cajun Chicken Rotini (Recap)

Big, bold flavors—ready in a flash. This Easy Cajun Chicken Rotini delivers weeknight magic with simple ingredients, a single pan, and a taste that brings everyone back for seconds.

Ingredients

– 12 oz rotini pasta (regular or whole wheat)
– 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish, optional)

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate an organized shopping list—with all ingredients sorted by store section. No more wandering the aisles or forgotten items; quickly add this recipe to your week and make mealtime a breeze with CookifyAI.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, plus a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened but still vibrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Reduce heat to medium, return the cooked chicken to the pan, and pour in cream and reserved pasta water. Simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Add in cooked rotini and parmesan cheese. Toss until everything is well combined and the sauce coats the pasta. Adjust salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning as needed.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Easy Cajun Chicken Rotini is ideal for your weekly meal prep line-up. Save and schedule this recipe to plan dinners for busy nights and generate a smart shopping list that organizes all your meal ingredients by store aisle.

Planning Benefits:

– Totals ingredient quantities across multiple recipes for bigger (or smaller) batches.
– Automatically organizes grocery lists by department for faster shopping.
– Prevents duplicate purchases, forgotten items, and reduces food waste.
– Simplifies weekly meal prep, making weeknight dinners stress-free and delicious.

Pro tip: When planning several meals, schedule your recipes to easily spot ingredient overlap, so you buy exactly what you need. For example, both this recipe and another chicken dish will be tallied together, ensuring you get the right amount at the store without overbuying.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

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