Description

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare. Tender chunks of Cajun-seasoned chicken are cooked to perfection and combined with al dente rotini pasta in a rich garlic cream sauce, loaded with mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Finished with fresh parsley garnish, this skillet recipe brings a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and cheesy goodness, making it a comforting dinner option for any night of the week.

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

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. Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and 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, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, mixing until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine & simmer: Add the cooked rotini pasta and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve: Garnish the skillet with freshly chopped parsley and additional cheese if desired. Serve hot for a comforting and delicious meal.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
You can substitute rotini with penne or macaroni if preferred.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but it may reduce creaminess.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave to prevent sauce breaking.

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

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