Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a deliciously creamy and flavorful one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce with a spicy Cajun kick.

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 pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces 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. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until melted and smooth. Return the cooked rotini and chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
5. Step 5: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or substitute with smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne.
• You can swap rotini for penne or rigatoni if preferred.
• Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies and texture.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

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 make this dish gluten-free without altering the flavor.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 117 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with al dente rotini pasta, smothered in a rich blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting, cheesy dinner without fuss and extra cleanup.

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Ingredients

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Chicken & Seasoning

• 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)

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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. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces 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 on the outside and 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 minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden. Pour in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream, stirring gently. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then gradually add the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely and form a smooth, creamy sauce.
4. 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. Allow the skillet to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot for a creamy, comforting meal.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• You can substitute rotini with other short pasta like penne or fusilli if preferred.
• If you want a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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