Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe
This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a flavorful one-pan pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken and a rich, creamy garlic cheese sauce. It’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner with a spicy kick and gooey melted cheese all tossed with rotini pasta.
- 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
Proteins
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Seasonings & Spices
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Oils & Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Dairy & Liquids
- 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. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: 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.
- Make the creamy sauce: 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. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Mix until smooth and fully melted.
- Combine & simmer: 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.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot!
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- 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 chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy garlic chicken pasta, one skillet pasta, cheesy chicken rotini, spicy chicken dinner
