Name: Smoky Red Pepper Gouda Chicken Rotini Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 300g Rotini Pasta: Use rotini for its spiral shape to capture the sauce.; 300g Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.; 2 tsp Cajun Seasoning: Adds spice and depth of flavor.; 3 Cloves Garlic: Minced for a flavorful base.; 2 tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken.; 30g Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.; 150g Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Grated for classic cheesy flavor.; 100g Smoked Gouda Cheese: Grated, the star for smoky flavor.; 200ml Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, creamy sauce.; 100g Roasted Red Pepper Puree: Adds sweet, smoky flavor.; 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: Enhances smoky flavor and color.; ½ tsp Salt: To taste, for flavor enhancement.; ¼ tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground for subtle spice.; 2 tbsp Parsley: Chopped, for garnish and freshness.; 1 tsp Lemon Zest: For garnish and brightness.

Description

This Smoky Red Pepper Gouda Chicken Rotini Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, rotini pasta, and a creamy, smoky cheese sauce. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

300g Rotini Pasta: Use rotini for its spiral shape to capture the sauce.
300g Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
2 tsp Cajun Seasoning: Adds spice and depth of flavor.
3 Cloves Garlic: Minced for a flavorful base.
2 tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken.
30g Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
150g Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Grated for classic cheesy flavor.
100g Smoked Gouda Cheese: Grated, the star for smoky flavor.
200ml Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, creamy sauce.
100g Roasted Red Pepper Puree: Adds sweet, smoky flavor.
1 tsp Smoked Paprika: Enhances smoky flavor and color.
½ tsp Salt: To taste, for flavor enhancement.
¼ tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground for subtle spice.
2 tbsp Parsley: Chopped, for garnish and freshness.
1 tsp Lemon Zest: For garnish and brightness.

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil rotini until al dente, then drain (do not rinse).
Sear Chicken: Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper; sear in olive oil until cooked through.
Bloom Garlic: Melt butter in the skillet, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Make Sauce: Simmer heavy cream, then whisk in cheddar and smoked Gouda until melted and smooth. Add roasted red pepper puree and smoked paprika.
Combine & Coat: Return chicken to skillet, add pasta, and toss to coat evenly.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 12-15 minutes until bubbly and browned.
Rest & Garnish: Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley and lemon zest.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breast. Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the spice level.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg