Introduction

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy nights in. It combines tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and a touch of Cajun spice served over perfectly cooked rotini pasta.

The dish shows a close-up of creamy rotini pasta mixed with browned chicken pieces, layered evenly throughout. The rotini pasta is coated in a smooth, light-colored cream sauce with a shiny, slightly thick texture, filling the bottom and middle layers. On top, there are golden-brown chicken chunks, seared with a slightly crispy texture and speckled with black pepper and herbs. Small green parsley leaves are scattered over the dish, adding a fresh touch. The food sits against a white marbled texture background, captured warmly and clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breasts (substitute with chicken thighs if desired)
8 ounces rotini pasta (can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli)
2 tablespoons olive oil (essential for cooking the chicken)
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust according to spice tolerance)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (fresh garlic is also a good option)
1 teaspoon onion powder (can be omitted if not desired)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter (margarine or dairy-free options can be used)
1 cup heavy cream (consider light cream or coconut milk as alternatives)
1 cup chicken broth (vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version)
1 cup mozzarella cheese (substitutes can include Gouda or Monterey Jack)
½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated Pecorino Romano can also be substituted)
½ cup cheddar cheese (any melty cheese will work)
¼ cup fresh parsley (chives or cilantro can be used as alternatives)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cook chicken in the skillet for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Step 5: Add chicken broth and heavy cream, simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 7: Return cooked rotini and sliced chicken to the skillet, toss to coat in sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning.
Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
Try mixing in some sautéed bell peppers or spinach to add color and nutrients.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a creamy pasta dish in a black pan, showing one main layer of golden yellow rotini pasta coated in a smooth, light beige creamy sauce, topped with small pieces of grilled chicken breast that are browned and slightly charred, with a light sprinkle of green herb bits scattered evenly over the surface. The dish has a rich and glossy texture, with the pasta and chicken pieces mixed together closely. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute chicken with your favorite plant-based protein or extra vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What pasta works best if I don’t have rotini?

Penne, farfalle, or fusilli are great substitutes that hold the creamy sauce well.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 670 reviews

A comforting one-pan skillet meal combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with creamy, cheesy garlic sauce and perfectly cooked rotini pasta. This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is ideal for cozy nights when you want a flavorful, hearty dish with minimal cleanup.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Pasta

1 pound Chicken Breasts (Substitute with chicken thighs if desired)
8 ounces Rotini Pasta (Can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli)

Seasonings & Oils

2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Essential for cooking the chicken)
1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (Adjust according to spice tolerance)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic is also a good option)
1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Can be omitted if not desired)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
2 cloves Garlic (Minced)

Dairy & Broth

2 tablespoons Butter (Margarine or dairy-free options can be used)
1 cup Heavy Cream (Consider light cream or coconut milk as alternatives)
1 cup Chicken Broth (Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version)
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Substitutes can include Gouda or Monterey Jack)
½ cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated Pecorino Romano can also be substituted)
½ cup Cheddar Cheese (Any melty cheese will work)

Garnish

¼ cup Fresh Parsley (Chives or cilantro can be used as alternatives)

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the rotini pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside for later use.
Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them evenly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to build a flavorful base.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and completely cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
Sauté Garlic & Prepare Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium low. Melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
Simmer Cream & Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Melt Cheeses: Gradually stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips. Add the cooked rotini and chicken slices back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat evenly in the cheesy sauce.
Simmer and Serve: Let the combined dish simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving to add a bright, herbal note.

Notes

For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with light cream or half-and-half.
Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat if preferred.
Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to suit your spice preference.
Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder to enhance flavor.
Vegetarian options: Replace chicken with firm tofu and chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Any melty cheese like Gouda or Monterey Jack can substitute the three-cheese mix.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: Cajun chicken skillet, cheesy pasta skillet, garlic chicken rotini, one-pan chicken dinner, creamy Cajun pasta