Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a delightful dish that brings together spicy Cajun flavors and creamy cheese. It’s a one-pan meal that is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. Not only is it satisfying, but it also puts a fun twist on traditional pasta dishes. The mix of cheeses and spices makes each bite rich and delicious!

How to Make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

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)

Directions

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot!

How to Serve Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

This dish is great served as a main course. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. The rich flavors of the pasta and chicken make it perfect for any dinner occasion. Enjoy while it’s hot for the best taste!

How to Store Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

To store leftovers, place the cooled dish in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for about 3–4 days in the fridge. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Cajun seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
• If you like it spicy, add more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
• You can replace rotini with any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fusilli.

Variation

Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach to the skillet for more nutrition and color. You can also switch up the cheese based on your preference or what you have on hand!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but ensure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking for best results.

Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild to medium spice level due to the Cajun seasoning. Adjust it to your taste preference by using less seasoning.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve, and combine everything for a quick meal!

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

A delightful one-pan meal that combines spicy Cajun flavors and creamy cheese with rotini pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Cajun

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 2 pieces 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

For the Sauce and Pasta

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 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)

Method

 

Cooking the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Cooking the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, mixing until smooth and fully melted.

Combining

1. Add the cooked rotini and chicken back into the skillet.
2. Toss to coat everything evenly in the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce.
3. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Serving

1. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired.
2. Serve hot!

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Cajun seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking. If you like it spicy, add more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes. You can replace rotini with any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fusilli. Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for more nutrition and color. You can also switch up the cheese based on your preference or what you have on hand.