Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a perfect weeknight dinner that combines spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors in one simple dish. Ready in just over half an hour, it’s a satisfying meal that brings a little Cajun kick to your pasta night.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rotini pasta
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, until cooked through and no longer pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine, then bring to a simmer.
4. Step 4: Gradually add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained rotini pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the cheesy sauce.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley, then serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the Cajun seasoning or substitute with smoked paprika and garlic powder.
• Try adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
• Use a blend of cheeses such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy texture.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

Storage

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

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle works well in this recipe.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based cream alternative and dairy-free cheese substitutes. Be sure to check that the chicken broth is also dairy-free.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

---

★★★★★

5 from 84 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a flavorful and creamy one-pan pasta dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with spicy Cajun seasoning, tossed with al dente rotini pasta and smothered in a rich garlic cream sauce loaded with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese. A quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights that delivers bold Cajun flavors and comforting cheesy goodness all in one skillet.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 2 cups rotini pasta

Protein & Seasoning

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Oil & Aromatics

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Chopped parsley (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to use later in the skillet.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce turns smooth and creamy.
4. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet along with the drained rotini pasta. Toss everything together carefully so the pasta is well coated in the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Taste the dish and add additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot for a comforting, flavorful meal.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
• You can use other pasta shapes, but rotini helps hold the sauce well due to its spirals.
• Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
• Adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can boost nutrition and add texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheesy Cajun Chicken, Garlic Chicken Rotini, One Skillet Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Rotini