If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful, and downright irresistible meal that comes together in just one skillet, you absolutely need to try this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe. It masterfully combines tender chicken chunks seasoned with a bold Cajun kick, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, and a luscious, creamy garlic cheese sauce that clings to every bite. This dish is a celebration of rich, spicy, and cheesy goodness that’s sure to become a family favorite on any weeknight or cozy weekend dinner.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating this vibrant skillet dish. Each one is chosen for its role in building layers of flavor, creamy texture, or that inviting golden color that makes this dish so appealing.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized chunks for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
Rotini pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, enhancing every forkful.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
Cajun seasoning: Brings the bold, smoky heat that defines the dish’s personality.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Provide depth and a savory backbone to the seasoning blend.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Fresh garlic: Minced to infuse the sauce with fragrant, aromatic warmth.
Butter: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce base.
Heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious foundation for the cheesy sauce.
Chicken broth: Introduces a subtle savory note and helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses: A triple-cheese combo that melts into gooey, flavorful heaven.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness just before serving.

How to Make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your rotini pasta. Cooking it until just al dente is crucial so it holds its shape and doesn’t get mushy when combined with the sauce later. Drain the pasta well and set it aside—this little prep step will make everything come together quickly in the skillet.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s warming, toss your bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This coating gives the chicken that deep, smoky flavor that’s the heart of this recipe. Cook the chicken in the skillet for about 6 to 7 minutes until browned and fully cooked inside. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Make the creamy cheese sauce

In the very same skillet (no extra dish means less cleanup!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté it until it smells heavenly—just about a minute. Then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer before adding all three cheeses—mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into a smooth, rich sauce that’s packed with flavor.

Step 4: Combine and simmer

Return the cooked rotini and chicken to the skillet, folding them gently into the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Make sure every spiral of pasta and piece of chicken is coated by that luscious sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes. This final step melds the flavors so beautifully you’ll notice the magic happening with every stir.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Top your masterpiece with freshly chopped parsley and, if you like, a little extra sprinkle of cheese for that gorgeous finishing touch. Serve it all hot and watch how quickly this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe disappears from plates!

How to Serve Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley isn’t just for color—it brings a fresh, herbal brightness that perfectly balances the richness of the sauce. If you want a little extra pizazz, sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top before serving for an eye-catching cheesy finish.

Side Dishes

This skillet meal is satisfying enough on its own, but serving it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds contrasting textures and lightness to the plate. Garlic bread, crusty baguette slices, or a side of steamed broccoli complement the richness beautifully as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party or family meal, serve the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe directly from the skillet placed in the center of the table—everyone loves a communal dish. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins for an elegant presentation that feels special but stays simple.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. Stored properly, they will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that cheese sauces sometimes separate after freezing, so gentle reheating with a splash of cream or broth can help revive the creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a little extra cream or broth while warming helps the sauce regain its silky consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the cheese from breaking and the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini’s spirals hold the sauce beautifully, you can swap in penne, fusilli, or even shells—just cook them al dente as recommended to maintain the texture.

How spicy is this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe?

The Cajun seasoning gives a moderate, warm heat that’s flavorful but not overpowering. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your preference by adding more or less Cajun spice or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor profile will be different, but it still can be deliciously creamy.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish reheats well and can be packed for lunch boxes or quick dinners. Just store the pasta and sauce together to keep the flavors melding nicely.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would all work wonderfully in this skillet, adding color, nutrients, and even more texture variation.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and satisfying about this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe that it quickly becomes a go-to meal whenever you want something hearty and flavorful without any fuss. It’s a winning combination of spice, creaminess, and cheesy goodness that will surely have you coming back for seconds. So, grab your skillet and dive into this cozy, delicious dish—you won’t regret it!

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: Simon
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente rotini pasta, and a rich three-cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish blends bold spices with comforting cheese and garlic, garnished with fresh parsley for a deliciously satisfying experience.

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside to use later.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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 and golden. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheeses have fully melted, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
Combine & simmer: Return the cooked rotini and chicken back into the skillet with the cheesy sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve: Garnish the skillet with freshly chopped parsley and additional cheese if desired. Serve the dish hot straight from the skillet for best flavor.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and richer flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: American