When you’re craving a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that hits all the right notes—creamy, cheesy, spicy, and soul-satisfying—look no further than this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table fast and keeps them coming back for seconds.
This hearty skillet meal combines juicy, Cajun-spiced chicken with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, all tossed in a rich, garlicky cheese sauce that’s hard to resist. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with the ease of a weeknight dinner. The boldness of Cajun seasoning paired with the creamy trio of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan gives every bite a balance of heat and comfort.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or feed a hungry family, this skillet delivers big flavor in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s easy to customize to your heat preference and makes great leftovers. Let’s dive into the delicious details.
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
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12 oz rotini pasta
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions—usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure not to overcook it. Al dente pasta will hold its texture and soak up the cheesy sauce better later on.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet (do not wipe it clean—those brown bits mean flavor!), melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Now, stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted into a silky, creamy sauce. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the back of a spoon. If it becomes too thick, add a splash more broth or cream to loosen it.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken and drained rotini pasta to the skillet. Gently fold everything together, making sure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let the dish simmer for 2–3 more minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. For extra indulgence, top with a bit more shredded cheese. Serve hot directly from the skillet for that rustic, homey touch—and watch as it disappears quickly!
Variations
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Swap the protein: Try shrimp or andouille sausage for a different take. Both pair well with Cajun seasoning and creamy sauces.
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Add vegetables: Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby spinach make excellent additions to add color and nutrients.
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Make it spicier: Kick it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you love a fiery bite.
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Use different pasta: Penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni can be swapped in for rotini—just be sure to cook until al dente.
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Lighten it up: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a light cheese blend for a lower-calorie version.
Cooking Note
To avoid a grainy or separated sauce, make sure your cheese is freshly grated—not pre-shredded—and add it gradually to the sauce while stirring over low to medium heat. High heat can cause dairy to break.
Also, always taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning if needed—Cajun seasoning blends vary in saltiness and spice, so fine-tuning is key.
Serving Suggestions
This rich skillet dish pairs beautifully with:
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A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
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Buttered garlic bread or warm dinner rolls
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Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus
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A refreshing drink like iced tea or a citrusy mocktail
Serve it family-style straight from the skillet, or portion it into bowls for easy weeknight dining.
Tips
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Prep ahead: You can cut the chicken and prep the garlic and cheese ahead of time to speed up cooking.
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Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the chicken in batches if needed for even browning.
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Use a heavy-bottomed skillet: This prevents scorching and distributes heat more evenly.
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Reserve pasta water: A few tablespoons of pasta water can help thin the sauce and help it cling to the pasta better.
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Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free rotini and ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)
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Calories: ~650 kcal
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Protein: ~35g
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Sodium: ~820 mg
(Values may vary based on exact ingredient brands and substitutions)
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep it a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat gently and add fresh parsley before serving.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For better results, try using half-and-half or evaporated milk if you’re avoiding cream.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and use roasted vegetables or plant-based chicken substitutes. The cheesy Cajun sauce is delicious with roasted mushrooms or zucchini.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
Make your own with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is the definition of comfort food with a kick. In just 30 minutes, you can create a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, creamy texture, and just the right amount of spice.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing recipe that doesn’t require a mountain of dishes. This one-skillet meal satisfies cravings for pasta, cheese, and bold southern-inspired flavors in one go.
Once you try it, it’s bound to become a repeat on your dinner rotation. So grab that skillet, turn up the heat, and get ready for a dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Print
Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A one-skillet wonder with Cajun-spiced chicken, tender rotini pasta, and a creamy trio of cheeses packed with bold Southern flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
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12 oz rotini pasta
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions—usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure not to overcook it. Al dente pasta will hold its texture and soak up the cheesy sauce better later on.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet (do not wipe it clean—those brown bits mean flavor!), melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Now, stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted into a silky, creamy sauce. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the back of a spoon. If it becomes too thick, add a splash more broth or cream to loosen it.
Return the cooked chicken and drained rotini pasta to the skillet. Gently fold everything together, making sure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let the dish simmer for 2–3 more minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. For extra indulgence, top with a bit more shredded cheese. Serve hot directly from the skillet for that rustic, homey touch—and watch as it disappears quickly!
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed based on your Cajun blend. Make it your own with veggies or different proteins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta, Cajun chicken, rotini skillet, garlic chicken pasta