Description

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for cozy nights. Tender chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices are cooked to golden perfection and combined with al dente rotini pasta, all smothered in a rich, creamy garlic cheese sauce featuring mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar. Finished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness, this recipe delivers a hearty, satisfying dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 pound Chicken Breasts (Substitute with chicken thighs if desired)
1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (Adjust according to spice tolerance)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic is also a good option)
1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Can be omitted if not desired)
to taste Salt
to taste Pepper
2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Essential for cooking the chicken)
2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
2 tablespoons Butter (Margarine or dairy-free options can be used)

Pasta

8 ounces Rotini Pasta (Can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli)

Sauce & Cheese

1 cup Heavy Cream (Consider light cream or coconut milk as alternatives)
1 cup Chicken Broth (Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version)
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
½ cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated Pecorino Romano can also be substituted)
½ cup Cheddar Cheese (Any melty cheese will work)

Garnish

¼ cup Fresh Parsley (Chives or cilantro can be used as alternatives)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Add Cheese: Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked rotini pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything to coat evenly and simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top, and serve immediately while hot and gooey.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier result.
Feel free to use penne or fusilli pasta if rotini is unavailable.
Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity based on your preferred spice level.
For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with light cream or coconut milk.
To make this vegetarian, use vegetable broth and omit the chicken or substitute with a plant-based protein.
Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder in the seasoning blend for an even stronger garlic flavor.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, cheesy chicken skillet, garlic chicken rotini, creamy chicken pasta, one-pan dinner