When I first tried combining Cajun spices with a cheesy garlic sauce over rotini, I knew I had discovered something special. This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet quickly became one of my favorite weeknight meals because it’s creamy, comforting, and packed with bold flavors. I love how the tender chicken absorbs the spicy, savory sauce while the pasta soaks up every bit of cheesy goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is perfect for anyone craving a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the Cajun-spiced chicken, creating a dish that’s both rich and satisfying. It’s the kind of comfort food that hits the spot after a long day, yet it feels special enough to serve for guests.

Versatile
One of the best things about this skillet recipe is its versatility. You can swap out rotini for penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can easily be added to the skillet for extra nutrition. If you prefer less heat, simply reduce the Cajun seasoning or sprinkle some additional cheese on top to balance the flavors.

Budget-Friendly
Despite tasting luxurious, this recipe is surprisingly budget-friendly. The ingredients are simple pantry staples, and a little goes a long way. A single skillet provides four generous servings, making it perfect for families or meal prep. You can also double the recipe for a larger group without much extra effort.

Ingredients for Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

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)

This simple list of ingredients creates a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with bold Cajun flavors. It’s a recipe that feels indulgent while being easy enough for any busy evening.

How to Make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

Making this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is easier than it looks, and the flavors come together quickly. I always start by prepping all my ingredients because it makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making

Cook the pasta
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step ensures your rotini is perfectly tender and ready to absorb the creamy sauce.
Season the chicken
While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Toss them with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is evenly coated so the flavors are well-distributed.
Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the creamy sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the cheeses
Gradually stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Mix continuously until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth. This combination creates a rich and creamy sauce that clings beautifully to both the chicken and the pasta.
Combine chicken and pasta
Add the cooked rotini and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together carefully to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.
Customize as desired
At this stage, you can easily add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. For more heat, sprinkle additional Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes. The recipe is highly customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Serve and garnish
Transfer the skillet to the table or serve onto individual plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. This step adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the creamy, cheesy dish. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Quick and Easy Tips

Prep your chicken and pasta ahead of time to cut down on cooking time.
Use pre-shredded cheeses to save time without compromising flavor.
A large skillet works best for this recipe, allowing all ingredients to combine evenly.

Customizable Options

This recipe is extremely versatile. You can adjust the creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream, and swap cheeses according to your preference. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Vegetables can be added or omitted based on what’s available in your kitchen.

Crowd-Pleasing Features

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this skillet dish is a guaranteed hit. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta appeals to everyone. The Cajun seasoning adds a flavorful kick without being overwhelming, making it suitable for both adults and kids.

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is quick enough for a weekday dinner yet indulgent enough to feel like a treat. The step-by-step process ensures that even beginner cooks can follow along and achieve a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal at home.

FAQs for Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to ensure it’s al dente.

2. How can I make this dish spicier or milder?
For more heat, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. To reduce the spice, simply use less Cajun seasoning or add more cheese to balance the flavors.

3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead, then store them separately in airtight containers. Reheat and combine with the sauce when ready to serve.

4. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini work beautifully. Add them while making the creamy sauce so they cook slightly and blend with the flavors.

5. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. The sauce may be slightly less rich but will still be creamy and flavorful.

6. How long does it keep?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain creaminess.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

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Print Recipe

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal with tender chicken, a rich cheese sauce, and bold Cajun flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, it combines simplicity with indulgence.

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove from skillet.
Melt butter in the same skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until smooth.
Add cooked rotini and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot

Notes

Customize with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for mild or spicy flavor.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Author: Layla
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes