If you’re craving a meal that’s creamy, spicy, and packed with bold flavors, this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort dish. Imagine tender chunks of chicken seasoned with zesty Cajun spices, swirled through perfectly cooked rotini pasta, all smothered in a rich, garlicky, triple-cheese sauce. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly in just one pan, making mealtime not only delicious but wonderfully simple. Trust me, once you taste this dish you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together. Each component enhances the overall flavor, ensuring every bite is packed with texture and taste — from the tender chicken to the creamy cheese sauce and the pasta that holds it all in perfect harmony.

Chicken breasts, 2 boneless and skinless: Cut into bite-sized chunks for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
Rotini pasta, 12 oz: Its spiral shape captures the sauce perfectly, making every forkful indulgent.
Olive oil, 2 tablespoons: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing the chicken to a golden crisp.
Cajun seasoning, 2 tablespoons: Adds the signature spicy kick that defines this dish’s bold character.
Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon: Boosts the garlic flavor with gentle warmth and aroma.
Onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds subtle depth to the seasoning blend.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances and enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.
Garlic cloves, 4 minced: Fresh garlic elevates the sauce with its vibrant and unmistakable flavor.
Butter, 1 tablespoon: Helps create a silky, luscious base for the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream, 1 cup: Rich and velvety, it makes the sauce irresistibly smooth and indulgent.
Chicken broth, 1/2 cup: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from becoming too thick.
Mozzarella cheese, 1 cup shredded: Melts beautifully to create that gooey, stringy cheese pull we all love.
Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup grated: Brings a nutty sharpness that perfectly complements the creaminess.
Cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup shredded: Adds a robust flavor and a touch of color to the sauce.
Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright herb garnish that adds a fresh pop of green and a mild peppery bite.

How to Make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your rotini and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente — tender but still offering a bit of bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside so it’s ready to soak up that delicious sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss your chopped chicken with the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to coat every piece with flavor. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook it for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about one minute until fragrant — your kitchen will start smelling irresistible right here. Then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until the sauce is smooth, luxurious, and completely melted.

Step 4: Combine & Simmer

Add the cooked rotini and chicken back into the skillet with the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Toss everything carefully, so all the pasta and chicken pieces are coated with that creamy, spicy sauce. Let it simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, giving the flavors time to blend beautifully.

Step 5: Serve Your Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

It’s finally time to enjoy your masterpiece! Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and sprinkle extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. Serve it piping hot for the ultimate cozy meal experience.

How to Serve Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also provides a subtle herbal contrast that balances the richness. You can also sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or a little more shredded cheddar on top for an extra flavor punch.

Side Dishes

Since this skillet recipe is hearty and rich, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Light and fresh sides add balance and texture, making the whole meal satisfying yet not overly heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, consider serving the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. It’s perfect for special occasions or casual dinner parties where presentation counts and everyone can enjoy their own cheesy portion straight from the pan!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making reheated portions super tasty. Just be sure to cool it down before storing to keep the sauce creamy when reheated.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your cheesy skillet leftovers is in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently so the cheese melts evenly without sticking or drying out. Microwave reheating is quick but can sometimes cause the sauce to separate, so use it only if you’re short on time.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of rotini?

Absolutely! While rotini’s spirals hold the sauce best, penne, fusilli, or even shells would work nicely too. Just pick a pasta that will grab onto that creamy cheesy Cajun sauce.

How spicy is this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe?

The Cajun seasoning adds a zesty warmth without overpowering the dish, making it pleasantly spicy but accessible for most heat levels. You can always adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to fit your spice preference.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the dairy ingredients with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream and vegan cheeses, but the texture and flavor will be different. It’s still delicious, just not quite the same cheesy experience.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! It reheats well and holds up in the fridge for a few days, making it an excellent choice for quick lunches or easy dinners all week long.

What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Cutting the chicken into small, even pieces and cooking them quickly over medium-high heat helps. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender and juicy inside.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the harmony of spicy Cajun seasoning, fresh garlic, tender chicken, and a medley of melted cheeses coating every twist of rotini in this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe. It’s a dish that feels luxurious yet comes together with humble ingredients and simple steps. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and fall in love with this irresistible skillet meal just like I have!

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare. Tender chunks of chicken are seasoned with Cajun spices, cooked to perfection, and tossed with rotini pasta in a rich garlic and three-cheese sauce. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a bit of a spicy kick.

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully coated. 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 aside.
Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until melted and smooth.
Combine and simmer: Add the cooked rotini pasta and the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Let the skillet simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy, flavorful Cajun garlic chicken rotini skillet!

Notes

You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.
If you want a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese improves the flavor and melting quality of the sauce.
Be sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best for this dish.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid breaking the sauce.

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