Introduction

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is the perfect cozy meal for chilly evenings. Featuring tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and a hint of Cajun spice, it’s a comforting one-pan dinner that’s both simple and flavorful.

This image shows a close-up of a creamy pasta dish with grilled chicken pieces on top. The base layer is made up of light yellow spiral rotini pasta coated in a smooth, creamy white sauce. Scattered evenly on top are small, golden-brown grilled chicken chunks with a slightly crispy, charred texture and visible seasoning. Bright green parsley leaves are sprinkled across the dish to add color and freshness. The food is presented in a black pan placed on a white marbled surface, making the dish stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound Chicken Breasts (Substitute with chicken thighs if desired)
8 ounces Rotini Pasta (Can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli)
2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Essential for cooking the chicken)
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)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
2 tablespoons Butter (Margarine or dairy-free options can be used)
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 (Substitutes can include Gouda or Monterey Jack)
½ cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated Pecorino Romano can also be substituted)
½ cup Cheddar Cheese (Any melty cheese will work)
¼ cup Fresh Parsley (Chives or cilantro can be used as alternatives)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cook chicken in the skillet for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes, then slice.
Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring and simmering for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth, forming a creamy sauce.
Step 7: Return cooked rotini and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the cheese sauce and simmer together for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm for a hearty, comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning or substitute with smoked paprika.
Use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a sharper flavor.
Swap chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
Try adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added color and nutrition.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and vegan cheese alternatives.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a creamy pasta dish in a black pan, with two main visible layers: a bottom layer of twisted rotini pasta coated in a smooth, light beige sauce, and a top layer of golden-brown, grilled chicken pieces scattered evenly, some with slight char marks. Small green herb bits are sprinkled over the dish, providing a fresh contrast to the warm tones. The texture of the sauce looks rich and slightly glossy, enveloping both pasta and chicken. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes, penne, farfalle, or fusilli work well as substitutes and hold the sauce nicely.

How spicy is this Cajun chicken?

The heat level depends on the amount and brand of Cajun seasoning used. Adjust to your preference by using less seasoning or choosing a milder blend.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for Cozy Nights Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 584 reviews

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for cozy nights. Tender chicken breasts seasoned with a spicy Cajun blend are cooked to golden perfection and combined with pasta in a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce. A comforting dish that balances rich creaminess with the bold kick of Cajun spices, all topped with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.

Author: Toney
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

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)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Pasta

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

Cooking Elements

2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Essential for cooking the chicken)
2 tablespoons Butter (Margarine or dairy-free options can be used)
2 cloves Garlic, minced

Sauce and 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
½ cup Cheddar Cheese

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 the pasta and set it aside for later use.
Season the chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly on all sides to ensure robust flavor.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
Sauté garlic: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Add the cheeses: Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses gradually, continuing to stir until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine pasta and chicken: Return the cooked rotini pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the noodles and chicken evenly with the creamy cheese sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your cozy, cheesy Cajun chicken skillet meal!

Notes

Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
Use light cream or coconut milk to lighten the sauce or for a dairy-free variation.
Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference; reduce for milder taste.
Ensure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds up best in the creamy sauce.
Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
Vegetable broth can be used to make the dish vegetarian if substituting chicken with plant-based protein.

Keywords: Cheesy Cajun Chicken, Garlic Chicken Pasta, Rotini Skillet, One-Pan Chicken Dinner, Cajun Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta