Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce with a spicy Cajun kick. It’s quick to prepare and sure to satisfy any comfort food craving.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken chunks 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. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until the sauce is smooth and fully melted.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked rotini and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier sauce, add a splash more heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese.
• Substitute rotini with penne or fusilli pasta if preferred.
• Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies and color.
• Adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be used. Add it when combining the pasta and sauce, heating through until warmed evenly.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

This dish can be frozen, but the creamy cheese sauce may change texture after thawing. For best results, freeze before adding the cheese sauce and add the sauce fresh after reheating the pasta and chicken.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 121 reviews

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente rotini pasta, and a rich, creamy three-cheese sauce infused with garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish offers a spicy twist balanced with creamy, cheesy goodness.

• Author: Mila
• 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 1x2x3x

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

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 the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to coat evenly. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside 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 over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until the sauce becomes smooth and fully melted.
4. Combine & simmer: Return the cooked rotini and chicken back into the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce. Toss everything well to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Allow the skillet to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
5. Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and additional shredded cheese if desired. Serve hot for a comforting and hearty meal.

Notes

• Use freshly chopped parsley to enhance both the flavor and presentation.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your heat preference.
• For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though sauce will be less rich.
• Ensure the pasta is drained well to prevent a watery sauce.
• Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

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