Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal that’s sure to please. With a perfect balance of spicy Cajun seasoning and rich cheeses, it comes together quickly and is perfect for weeknight dinners.

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: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken in the skillet for 6–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
- Step 5: Return the cooked rotini and chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat everything evenly with the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 6: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños to the sauce.
- Swap the rotini for penne or fusilli if preferred.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Add it to the sauce in the final step and heat through without overcooking to keep it tender.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
While you can freeze this dish, the creamy cheese sauce may separate upon thawing. If freezing, use airtight containers and reheat slowly, stirring well to help the sauce come back together.
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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting pasta dish that combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with a rich garlic cheese sauce. Cooked all in one skillet, it features a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, enhanced with a touch of cream and aromatic garlic, delivering a perfect balance of spice and creaminess. Ideal for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to please family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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. Add the rotini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to season evenly. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheeses have melted completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine & simmer: Return the cooked rotini and chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy cheesy sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley and additional cheese if desired. Serve hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- If heavy cream is unavailable, you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- To save time, cook the pasta a few minutes ahead of time and set aside.
- For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Freshly grated Parmesan yields better melting and flavor than pre-grated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cajun chicken skillet, creamy chicken pasta, cheesy garlic pasta, rotini recipe, easy dinner, one skillet meal, Cajun seasoning pasta

