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

Scale

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