Introduction

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal bursting with bold flavors and creamy cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without fuss. The combination of tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and a rich garlic cheese sauce will quickly become a family favorite.

The image shows close-up rotini pasta coated in creamy sauce with multiple pieces of cooked, golden-brown chicken scattered on top. The pasta is light yellow with a smooth, slightly glossy texture, and the chicken pieces are lightly charred with a mix of orange and brown tones, showing a seasoned crust. The dish is presented against a white marbled surface in soft light that highlights the texture of the pasta and the chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
12 oz rotini pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Mix continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth.
Step 5: Return the cooked rotini and chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat everything evenly with the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, reduce the Cajun seasoning or substitute with smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach to the skillet for extra veggies and color.
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.

Storage

Store leftover chicken rotini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy rotini pasta mixed with grilled chicken pieces. The pasta is a light yellow color with a smooth, creamy texture, while the chicken pieces are golden brown with a slightly crispy, seasoned surface, scattered evenly throughout the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of rotini?

Yes, other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well for this dish as they hold the sauce nicely.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze it, the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing, affecting texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated and consumed within a few days.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 494 reviews

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a flavorful one-pan dish combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken, al dente rotini pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic cheese sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it brings bold Cajun seasoning melded with a luscious blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, all garnished with fresh parsley.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

12 oz rotini pasta

Sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later use.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to coat evenly. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer before stirring in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and shredded cheddar cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheeses have fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine & simmer: Return the cooked rotini pasta and chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let the skillet simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your comforting, flavorful Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet.

Notes

To adjust the spice level, reduce or increase the Cajun seasoning according to your preference.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
You can swap rotini for other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli if desired.
Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling to avoid mushiness when combined with the sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Cheesy Cajun Chicken, Garlic Chicken Pasta, Cajun Rotini Skillet, Creamy Chicken Pasta, One-Pan Cajun Pasta, Chicken Dinner Recipe