Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a flavorful, comforting meal that comes together quickly in one pan. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked rotini, and a rich, cheesy sauce with a Cajun kick make it a family favorite any night of the week.

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

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

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
• Substitute chicken with shrimp or sausage for a different protein option.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more color and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free rotini pasta to keep the dish gluten-free. Ensure that your Cajun seasoning and chicken broth are also gluten-free.

How can I reduce the calories in this recipe?

You can reduce calories by using half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, using less cheese, and opting for skinless chicken breast without added oil for cooking.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 129 reviews

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, and a rich blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. The dish is simmered in a garlicky, creamy sauce that brings a perfect balance of spice and comfort, finished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.

• Author: Mia
• 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 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 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

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 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

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In a bowl, toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. 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 but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until the sauce is smooth and the cheeses are melted completely.
4. Combine & simmer: Return the cooked rotini and chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Optionally, sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired. Serve the dish hot for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use rotini or any short pasta shape that holds sauce well.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to avoid curdling the cream sauce.

Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta, Cajun chicken skillet, creamy rotini recipe, one pan chicken pasta, garlic chicken rotini