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.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

12 oz rotini pasta

Sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 650 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Fat: 38 g
Saturated Fat: 20 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

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