Name: Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks; 12 oz rotini pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 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; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking to add a little excitement to your weeknight dinner rotation, the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe is here to deliver bold flavors, creamy comfort, and a one-pan clean-up that makes life easier. Packed with juicy, Cajun-spiced chicken, perfectly twirly rotini pasta, and a triple cheese sauce laced with garlic, this dish brings together all the elements you crave in a hearty meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself, this skillet is a guaranteed hit that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe lies in its straightforward yet powerful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, delivering flavor pops and creamy textures that make this dish irresistible, while also keeping prep refreshingly simple.

Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, juicy bites that soak up those Cajun and garlic flavors beautifully.
Rotini pasta: The spiral shape is perfect for catching every bit of the luscious sauce and cheese.
Olive oil: Adds a fruity depth and helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
Cajun seasoning: The star of our flavor show—smoky, spicy, and vibrant, it gives this dish its Southern charm.
Garlic powder and onion powder: These add an all-over savory note that complements the fresh garlic later on.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and brightening all the bold flavors.
Minced garlic: For that punchy, aromatic lift—don’t skimp here if you love garlic!
Butter: Enriches the sauce and helps the garlic bloom into a mellow, savory base.
Heavy cream: The secret to a silken-smooth, ultra-luxurious sauce.
Chicken broth: Adds a savory backbone, helps thin out the sauce while ramping up flavor.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection for ultimate cheese pulls.
Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty depth that rounds out the creaminess.
Cheddar cheese: Adds a little sharpness and yet more melty goodness.
Fresh parsley: A pop of green and freshness on top, making everything look and taste vibrant.

How to Make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this is your first chance to layer in flavor. Add the rotini and cook according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente, which helps it hold up in the creamy sauce later. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss your chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, plus salt and pepper—this spice blend gives every bite a kick of smoky heat and savory backbone. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside to keep all those juices locked in.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Without cleaning the skillet (you want all that tasty chicken fond!), lower the heat and melt your butter. Add minced garlic, stirring for about a minute until it’s fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Now, stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese, mixing patiently until the sauce becomes smooth, glossy, and irresistible.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Add the drained rotini and your sautéed chicken right back into the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly, making sure the pasta and chicken are generously coated in that rich, cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let the entire skillet simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes—this lets all the flavors marry and thickens the sauce to pure indulgence.

Step 5: Serve

Take your skillet off the heat and sprinkle a generous handful of fresh, chopped parsley over the top for color and freshness. Add an extra sprinkle of cheese if you’re feeling decadent (and honestly, why not?). Serve it steaming hot, right from the pan, for a true weeknight comfort feast.

How to Serve Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing this dish turns it into something extra special. A dusting of chopped fresh parsley not only brings a pop of vibrant green, but also a whisper of freshness that cuts through the richness. For even more wow factor, try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a final handful of shredded cheese just before serving—the melty top is irresistible.

Side Dishes

While the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe can absolutely hold its own as a main course, it pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance, while crusty garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce. You can also serve it with roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli to round out the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with presentation! Serve this skillet family-style at the table for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece, or spoon into individual oven-safe ramekins, top with cheese, and broil for a few minutes for a bubbly, golden finish. For on-the-go lunches, portion straight into glass containers—nothing beats cheesy pasta leftovers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen as they meld, and the sauce stays creamy without turning oily, making for spectacular next-day lunches.

Freezing

If you want to freeze extra portions, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers. While the sauce may lose a touch of its original silkiness upon thawing, a gentle reheat and an extra splash of cream or broth will bring it right back. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of milk or cream, cover loosely, and heat in one-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Alternatively, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding liquid as needed to restore the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Rotini is great because it holds onto the cheese sauce, but penne, fusilli, or even farfalle all work beautifully in the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends entirely on your Cajun seasoning. Most store-bought blends are mild-to-medium, but you can go as bold as you like—or dial it down by reducing the seasoning.

Can I make this recipe with pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken can be used—just season it and heat gently in the skillet before tossing in with the pasta and sauce.

Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?

You can swap half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheese blends. The sauce will be a little less rich but still deliciously creamy!

What can I do if my sauce gets too thick?

Just add a splash of chicken broth or milk, stirring until you’ve reached your desired consistency. Easy fix, and still packed with flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough fabulous things about the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe—it’s a comforting classic with a bold twist, perfect for anyone who loves layers of flavor in every bite. Give it a whirl, and don’t be surprised if this becomes your new weeknight favorite!

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a flavor-packed one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce with a kick of Cajun seasoning.

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken: Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet until browned, then set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter, then add chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in cheeses until melted.
Combine & simmer: Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Simmer to meld flavors.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra cheese. Serve hot.