Introduction

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is the perfect comforting meal for cozy nights. Packed with flavorful spices, tender chicken, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s a delicious one-pan dinner that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy.

The dish shows a close-up of creamy pasta with spiral-shaped rotini pasta coated in a shiny, light creamy sauce as the base layer. On top, there are many pieces of grilled chicken that are golden brown with charred spots and a slightly crispy texture. Small green parsley leaves are scattered over the dish, adding a fresh color contrast to the creamy and golden tones. The dish is inside a black pan set against a white marbled background. 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 over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cook chicken in the skillet for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.
Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken. Return the rotini and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, richer flavor.
Swap heavy cream for coconut milk to create a dairy-free version.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more color and nutrients.
If fresh garlic isn’t available, garlic powder works well but reduce the amount to half a teaspoon.

Storage

Store any 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 broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a creamy pasta dish in a white bowl, featuring one main layer of pale yellow, spiral-shaped rotini pasta coated in a thick, light beige cream sauce. Scattered evenly throughout are small pieces of browned, grilled chicken with a slightly charred texture, adding a golden-brown color contrast to the creamy pasta. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top, giving subtle bursts of color and freshness. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, enhancing the warm tones of the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with penne, farfalle, fusilli, or any other short pasta shapes that hold sauce.

How spicy is the dish?

The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning used; you can adjust the amount to make it milder or hotter to suit your taste.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 139 reviews

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with perfectly cooked rotini pasta all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s flavored with Cajun spices and garlic. It’s a comforting, one-pan dish perfect for cozy nights when you want a flavorful, hearty meal without the fuss. The blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses creates a rich and melty sauce that complements the spiced chicken and pasta beautifully.

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

Chicken and Pasta

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

Seasonings and Oil

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.)
to taste Salt
to taste Pepper
2 cloves Garlic (Minced.)

Sauce Ingredients

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

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Prepare Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook Chicken: Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add butter to the same skillet and melt it. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Create Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add Cheese: Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked rotini and sliced chicken breasts to the skillet. Toss everything well so that the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the cheesy Cajun sauce. Let it simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve the skillet hot for a satisfying, cozy meal.

Notes

Substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, richer flavor.
Use light cream or coconut milk to make the dish lighter or dairy-free.
Vegetarian option: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit chicken.
Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the heat level according to your preference.
Try different pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or fusilli if rotini is unavailable.
For a lower-fat version, consider using reduced-fat cheeses and light cream.

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