Description

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a flavorful and creamy one-pan meal featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken, al dente rotini pasta, and a rich, cheesy garlic sauce. Perfectly balanced with the right amount of spice and loaded with mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, this dish is simple to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and 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)

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through. Remove the cooked 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, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and shredded cheddar cheeses until melted and smooth, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
Combine and simmer: Return the cooked rotini pasta and chicken to the skillet with the cheesy sauce. Toss everything together carefully to coat all ingredients evenly with the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens.
Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and additional cheese if desired. Serve the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

You can adjust the Cajun seasoning amount to control the spice level according to your preference.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results and creamier sauce.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat milk alternative but expect a thinner sauce.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Adding some steamed or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can boost nutrition and add color.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, cheesy chicken rotini, creamy garlic pasta, skillet pasta recipes, easy weeknight dinner, Cajun seasoning recipe, one-pan pasta dish