Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe
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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
