Name: Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 12 oz rotini pasta; 1 tablespoon butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 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)

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Introduction

This Chicken Rotini Skillet is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces and rotini pasta are tossed in a rich Cajun-seasoned garlic sauce that’s sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a delicious dinner option the whole family will love.

This close-up image shows a creamy pasta dish with several layers. The base layer is made up of yellow, spiral-shaped rotini pasta coated in a shiny, white creamy sauce. On top, there are multiple pieces of golden-brown grilled chicken, each piece showing a slightly charred, textured surface with black pepper and spices sprinkled on them. Small green herb bits are scattered lightly over the pasta and chicken, adding a touch of color. The entire dish is served in a white bowl against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
12 oz rotini pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
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)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Add the cooked rotini and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or substitute with smoked paprika.
Swap rotini for penne or fusilli if preferred.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

The dish shows a close-up view of cooked rotini pasta mixed well with creamy sauce that has a smooth, glossy texture coating each pasta piece. Scattered on top are golden-brown grilled chicken chunks, slightly charred for a crispy outside and tender inside, with small black pepper specks and a light sprinkle of green herbs. The pasta and chicken fill most of the frame, all placed on a white surface with a marbled pattern visible in the corners. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.

Is it okay to prepare this dish ahead of time?

While you can prepare the pasta and chicken in advance, it’s best to combine and heat them with the sauce just before serving for the best texture and flavor.