Name: Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
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)

Imagine a bubbling skillet overflowing with tender rotini, juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, and swirls of creamy, garlicky cheese sauce—all ready in about half an hour! That’s the magic of the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet. This dish balances effortless comfort with bold, crave-worthy flavors and an eye-catching, cheesy finish that’ll wow your family or friends on any busy weeknight.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet so irresistible is how each ingredient plays its own delicious part. There’s nothing fancy here—just tried-and-true staples working together to deliver layers of flavor, creamy richness, and a splash of color in every bite.

Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breast keeps things lean and lets the Cajun seasoning shine in every chunk.
Rotini pasta: These spiral noodles are perfect for capturing all the cheesy sauce and bits of garlic goodness.
Olive oil: For sautéing your chicken to a golden, flavorful finish.
Cajun seasoning: The heart of this dish, bringing smoky heat and depth to every bite.
Garlic powder & onion powder: These dried spices deepen the savoriness and build the base flavor for the skillet.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste and let every ingredient pop.
Fresh garlic cloves: Real minced garlic is a must for aroma and bold garlicky notes.
Butter: Adds luxurious richness when making the creamy, garlicky base.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its dreamy, velvety texture.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce from being overly thick.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into that glorious cheese pull every great skillet pasta needs.
Parmesan cheese: For tang and a little salty sharpness to offset the creamy sauce.
Cheddar cheese: Offers extra gooeyness and a pop of color.
Fresh parsley: Don’t skip the garnish; it adds brightness and elevates the whole presentation.

How to Make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add in your rotini. This pasta is fantastic at holding onto rich, cheesy sauces in all its twists and turns! Cook until just al dente (usually a minute or two less than the box suggests), then drain well and set aside—a touch of firmness is perfect so it doesn’t get too soft in the skillet.

Step 2: Season and Brown the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, grab your chicken pieces and toss them generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken chunks in a single layer, letting them develop that irresistible golden exterior, about 6–7 minutes. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate—it’ll mingle with the cheesy sauce soon!

Step 3: Make the Creamy, Cheesy Sauce

In the same skillet, drop in a tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Throw in that minced fresh garlic and sauté until you catch that mouthwatering aroma, just a minute or so. Pour in your chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing things to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens: add all three cheeses—mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar—and stir until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and entirely irresistible. Don’t rush here—the creamy base is what sets the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet apart!

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Now invite the cooked rotini and Cajun chicken back to the pan. Gently toss everything together so every noodle and chicken bite gets enveloped in that garlicky cheese sauce. Let the skillet bubble for 2 or 3 minutes so all the flavors can marry beautifully. It’s that easy—and the scents wafting through your kitchen will drive everyone wild!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the finished Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet generously with fresh parsley and extra cheese if you like things even cheesier. Serve it bubbling hot right out of the skillet for maximum coziness and flavor.

How to Serve Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is my go-to for a pop of color and a breath of brightness to balance all that rich cheese. For an extra hit of flavor, try a sprinkle of extra shredded Parmesan or a dash of smoked paprika for a little more Cajun drama. Even a squeeze of fresh lemon can liven up the skillet if you love a bit of tang!

Side Dishes

Keep sides simple to let the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet be the star. Crusty garlic bread is a classic, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. A crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette will cut nicely through the creaminess, while roasted green beans or sautéed broccoli are veggie sides everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or want a little extra flair, serve the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet family-style right at the table in a cast-iron skillet. You can also portion into individual ramekins, top with a little more cheese, and broil until bubbly—instant cheesy casseroles! Or add a scoop onto baked potatoes to turn it into the ultimate comfort food mashup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, transfer any leftover Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to give it a good stir before reheating so every bite gets saucy and delicious.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions, place servings in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Lay bags flat for faster freezing and space-saving stacking! This skillet reheats best within a month or so—keep in mind the texture may be a little softer after thawing, but the flavors will still shine.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess. The microwave works, too—cover your bowl and heat in one-minute increments, stirring each time to avoid hot spots and ensure even melting.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini is fantastic for soaking up that creamy sauce, penne, fusilli, or even shells will work beautifully in your Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet. Just aim for a pasta with plenty of nooks and ridges.

Is it possible to make this dish less spicy?

Yes—simply use a milder Cajun seasoning, or reduce the amount to suit your family’s heat tolerance. You can always bring the heat back with a dash of hot sauce at the table.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Definitely! Try shrimp or smoked sausage for a Louisiana-inspired twist, or swap for tofu or chickpeas to make the dish vegetarian while still enjoying the powerful flavors of the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet.

How can I make this meal gluten-free?

Just use your favorite gluten-free rotini and ensure your Cajun seasoning blend is gluten-free as well. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss out on flavor or texture.

What’s the best way to double the recipe for a crowd?

If you’re serving a bigger group, simply double all ingredients and use an extra-large skillet or a Dutch oven. The Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a proven crowd-pleaser—it’s just as easy to make for eight as it is for four!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet highly enough—it’s the definition of weeknight comfort food with a spicy, cheesy kick that just keeps you coming back. Gather your favorite people, whip up this skillet, and savor every last garlicky, cheesy bite. You’re going to want to make it again and again!