Introduction

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal perfect for cozy nights. Packed with bold Cajun flavors, tender chicken, and a creamy cheesy sauce, this dish is an easy crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly.

The image shows a close-up of a black pan filled with creamy twisted pasta and grilled chicken pieces. The pasta is coated in a smooth, light beige sauce that looks rich and creamy. On top, there are small, golden-brown grilled chicken chunks scattered evenly, with some pieces showing slight char marks for texture. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled across the dish, adding a touch of color. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
12 oz rotini pasta (can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli)
2 tablespoons olive oil (can replace with canola or vegetable oil)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (substitute with a different spice mix for a milder taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (can use fresh minced garlic)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (omit if unavailable)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter (can substitute with olive oil for dairy-free)
1 cup heavy cream (light cream or coconut cream are alternatives)
1/2 cup chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Melt butter and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently. Let the sauce simmer, then stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Return the cooked rotini and chicken to the skillet. Toss gently in the sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Optionally, add more cheese on top for extra cheesiness.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a brighter, fresher flavor.
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or your favorite seasonal vegetables.
Try a milder spice blend if you prefer less heat than Cajun seasoning.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Swap heavy cream for light cream or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.

Storage

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

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy rotini pasta covered in a light beige sauce. Scattered on top are chunks of golden-brown cooked chicken with a slightly crispy texture and seasoned with herbs and pepper. Small green parsley pieces are sprinkled over the dish, adding a fresh contrast. The texture of the pasta looks smooth and coated in sauce, while the chicken pieces have a slightly rough grilled look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with penne, farfalle, fusilli, or any pasta you have on hand. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Replace butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Additionally, opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit cheese if preferred.