Nothing beats the comfort and bold flavors of a dish like this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe. It’s an all-in-one meal that combines perfectly seasoned chicken, creamy cheeses, and al dente rotini pasta, all cloaked in a luscious, garlicky Cajun sauce. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or something impressive for company, this skillet recipe delivers big on taste and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each item is carefully chosen to build layers of seasoned richness, creamy indulgence, and that irresistible cheesy pull that defines this skillet meal.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2): Cut into bite-sized chunks for quick cooking and perfect seasoning coverage.
- Rotini pasta (12 oz): Spiral shape holds sauce beautifully, giving every bite a cheesy, spicy hug.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds a subtle fruity note and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
- Cajun seasoning (2 tbsp): This is the star spice blend adding the smoky, spicy Cajun kick.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Enhances the savory depth, complementing fresh garlic.
- Onion powder (½ tsp): Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the spice palette.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing and lifting all the flavors.
- Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced): Provides a fragrant punch that’s essential in Cajun cooking.
- Butter (1 tbsp): Creates a rich base for the savory sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the sauce its creamy, dreamy texture.
- Chicken broth (½ cup): Adds depth and balances creaminess with savory notes.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded): Melts to smooth, stretchy perfection.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup grated): Brings a sharp, nutty flavor for complexity.
- Cheddar cheese (½ cup shredded): Adds tangy richness and vibrant color.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): For a fresh, green garnish that brightens up the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the rotini just until al dente is key — it should be tender but still have a slight bite. This texture ensures the pasta doesn’t get mushy when it finishes cooking in the sauce later. Once cooked, drain and set the pasta aside while you focus on that flavorful chicken.
Step 2: Season and 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. This seasoning mix brings bold flavor and a bit of a spicy punch that perfectly complements the creamy elements to come. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it for 6 to 7 minutes, tossing occasionally until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once ready, remove the chicken and set it aside, keeping those delicious browned bits in the pan for the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Sauce
In that same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until intoxicatingly fragrant. Then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing it all to a gentle simmer. This base is where magic happens — stirring in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until they melt creates a rich, velvety sauce that instantly elevates the dish with decadent, gooey goodness.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Return the cooked rotini and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything carefully to coat every piece in that luscious cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let it simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce clings perfectly to the pasta spirals and tender chicken chunks. This is where all the elements truly come alive together in perfect harmony.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes. If you can’t resist, add a little extra cheese on top for that irresistible look and flavor. Serve this dish hot straight from the skillet, and watch it disappear fast!
How to Serve Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is classic for a reason — it adds a lively green contrast and a hint of herbal brightness that balances the creamy richness. For extra indulgence, consider a sprinkle of additional shredded cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to wake up those Cajun flavors.
Side Dishes
Though hearty on its own, pairing this skillet with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables adds a refreshing crunch that complements the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is also a fantastic accompaniment to sop up every last bit of that cheesy, spicy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this meal straight from a rustic cast iron skillet for a cozy, family-style vibe that invites everyone to dig in. Or, plate individual portions with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side for an elevated, restaurant-quality look. You can also portion leftovers into meal prep containers for an easy, delicious lunch or dinner the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to rewarm the cheesy sauce evenly. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for holding the sauce, you can swap in penne, fusilli, or even shells. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when combined with the sauce.
How spicy is this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe?
The Cajun seasoning adds a warm, moderate kick but isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less seasoning or including a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it hotter.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
You can try half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but it won’t be quite as creamy or rich. To maintain thickness, consider adding a small amount of cream cheese or a flour slurry to help thicken the sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as is contains gluten due to the rotini pasta. To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients.
Can I prepare this dish vegetarian?
Yes, swap the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Just season and cook accordingly, then follow the same steps for the sauce and pasta.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe a try will quickly make it one of your go-to weeknight dinners. It’s comforting, packed with bold flavors, and effortless enough for any day of the week. Trust me, once you taste that creamy, cheesy, lightly spicy sauce coating tender chicken and pasta, you’ll be hooked. So why wait? Whip up this skillet sensation and enjoy a deeply satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a flavorful one-pan dinner featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken chunks and rotini pasta, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick, hearty meal that combines spicy, savory, and cheesy elements in a convenient skillet preparation.
Ingredients
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
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Sauce and Cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ 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. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to coat evenly. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. 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 shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and shredded cheddar cheeses until smoothly melted and combined into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked rotini and chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly, then let the skillet simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to warm through thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and additional cheese if desired. Serve hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
