Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

If there’s one dish that screams comfort food with a kick, it’s this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet. Picture tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce infused with bold Cajun spices—all cooked together in a single skillet for a meal that’s both indulgent and quick enough for busy weeknights.

Whether you’re craving a creamy pasta dinner after a long day, want a flavorful twist on classic chicken pasta, or need a recipe the whole family will devour, this skillet dish delivers on all fronts. It’s gluten-free, hearty, and loaded with protein, making it a satisfying one-pan wonder.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Rich, Creamy, and Cheesy: Three cheeses create a sauce that clings beautifully to every pasta spiral.
• Bold Flavor: Cajun seasoning adds the perfect balance of heat and depth without being overpowering.
• One-Skillet Meal: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Versatile: Easily swap chicken for vegetables for a vegetarian version, or adjust spice levels to taste.
• Family-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and flavorful—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 4 generous portions. Ingredients are grouped for clarity:

Chicken & Seasoning

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

• 12 oz rotini pasta

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
• Chef’s knife and chopping board for prepping chicken and garlic
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
• Colander for draining pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create a creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned Cajun pasta skillet.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil.
2. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently, and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and gradually add mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, stirring until the sauce is smooth and fully melted.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
2. Add the cooked rotini pasta, tossing gently to coat all the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy Cajun garlic cheese sauce.
3. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
2. Optionally, add extra cheese on top for a more indulgent presentation.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or a mix of your favorite vegetables.
• Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning for more heat.
• Alternate Pasta Shapes: Penne, fusilli, or farfalle work perfectly in place of rotini.
• Cheese Swaps: Use gouda, fontina, or a smoked cheddar for different flavor profiles.
• Make it Lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is:

• Savory: Garlic, cheese, and chicken deliver rich, hearty flavors.
• Spicy: Cajun seasoning adds warmth and a mild kick.
• Creamy: The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar creates a velvety, indulgent sauce.

Side Suggestions:

• Crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or asparagus for freshness
• Garlic bread or breadsticks for mopping up extra sauce

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 640 kcal
• Protein: 37 g
• Fat: 38 g (Saturated Fat: 18 g)
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Cholesterol: 130 mg

Dietary Notes:

• Gluten-free (check pasta brand)
• High in protein
• Contains dairy
• Nut-free

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Pasta: Cook pasta a day ahead, rinse under cold water, and store in an airtight container.
• Chicken: Pre-cook chicken chunks and refrigerate for 1–2 days.
• Cheese Sauce: Can be made ahead and gently reheated on low with a splash of cream or milk.
• Storage: Combine everything in an airtight container; consume within 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly. Add a little broth or cream if the sauce thickens.

FAQs

1. Can I use different pasta?
Yes, penne, fusilli, farfalle, or even macaroni can replace rotini. Adjust cooking times slightly if needed.

2. How spicy is this dish?
The recipe is moderately spicy from Cajun seasoning. Add more seasoning or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

3. Can this be made dairy-free?
Substitute cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream for the sauce.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly, adding extra liquid to restore creaminess.

5. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep heat low while melting the cheeses and stir continuously. Avoid boiling the cream.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Task	Time
Prep	Chop chicken, garlic	5 minutes
Pasta	Cook rotini	10 minutes
Chicken	Sear and season	6–7 minutes
Sauce	Make cheese sauce	5 minutes
Combine	Mix pasta, chicken, sauce	2–3 minutes
Serve	Garnish & plate	1–2 minutes
Total	From start to finish	30 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
• Sprinkle extra cheese and parsley for vibrant color and added flavor.
• Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Veggie-Packed Skillet: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for more nutrients.
2. Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo: Increase Cajun seasoning and add a splash of hot sauce.
3. Four-Cheese Version: Incorporate gouda or fontina with mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar for extra richness.
4. Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cajun Seasoning

A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and herbs that provides bold, smoky flavor. Store in an airtight jar for maximum potency.

Cheeses

The combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan creates a creamy, stringy, and flavorful sauce. Using freshly shredded cheese ensures the smoothest sauce.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Sear chicken well: Browning adds extra flavor through the Maillard reaction.
• Simmer gently: Keep cheese sauce on low heat to avoid separation.
• Reserve pasta water: Use a splash to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning and Cajun spice to suit your preference.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Component	Storage	Freezing	Notes
Chicken	1–2 days in fridge	2 months	Fully cooked
Cheese sauce	3 days	1 month	Reheat slowly, add liquid
Pasta	2 days	1 month	Cooked al dente
Assembled dish	3 days	1–2 months	Reheat with splash of milk

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	640 kcal	32%
Protein	37 g	74%
Fat	38 g	49%
Saturated Fat	18 g	90%
Carbohydrates	33 g	12%
Fiber	2 g	8%
Sodium	950 mg	41%
Cholesterol	130 mg	43%

*Based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Expanded Conclusion

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta for a flavor-packed, comforting meal. Quick enough for busy weeknights, yet indulgent enough to feel like a treat, this skillet recipe is destined to become a family favorite.

From bold Cajun flavors to melted three-cheese richness, every bite is satisfying. Customize it with vegetables, spice levels, or alternative cheeses, and you’ll have a dish that’s versatile, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly satisfying.

Make a batch tonight, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness that only a one-pan skillet meal like this can deliver!

Print