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

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

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.
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.
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.
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