Jump to Recipe Print RecipeSometimes, the best dishes come together in a haze of spice and comfort, leaving you with a heartwarming meal at the end. Enter the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet, where creamy cheese meets the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning, making for a tantalizing one-pan wonder. Just imagine sautéing tender chicken and rotini in a delectable sauce that’s ready in no time—how perfect is that for juggling busy weeknights? This recipe stands out not only for its rich, satisfying taste but also its adaptability; it can easily be tailored to fit gluten-free diets or become a veggie delight with just a few swaps. Are you ready to embrace the magic of homemade Cajun cuisine and elevate your dinner routine? Let’s dive in! Why is this skillet recipe a must-try? Quick Cooking: This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze! Deliciously Versatile: With simple swaps, you can adapt it to fit gluten-free needs or even create a veggie version. Bold Flavors: The harmonious blend of Cajun seasoning and creamy cheeses creates an explosion of taste that will keep everyone asking for seconds. Family Favorite: It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to the table, perfect for all ages. Try pairing it with a side of Garlic Parmesan Chicken or a fresh salad to balance the richness! Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Ingredients For the Chicken Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Provides protein and main flavor; substitute with chicken thighs for more depth. Olive Oil – Essential for sautéing the chicken; prevents sticking in the skillet. For the Pasta Rotini Pasta – The perfect shape to hold onto the rich sauce; can swap for penne, farfalle, or fusilli. For the Seasoning Cajun Seasoning – Adds a kick and flavor depth; feel free to increase for more heat. Garlic Powder – Enhances the dish with garlic flavor without the texture; consider fresh garlic for an extra punch. Onion Powder – Complements the seasoning, adding subtle sweetness. Salt and Pepper – Crucial for bringing all the flavors together; taste as you go! For the Sauce Butter – Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. Garlic (Minced) – Fresh garlic infuses delightful aroma and taste; don’t skimp on this! Heavy Cream – Creates a velvety sauce; substitute with light cream or dairy-free options for a lighter dish. Chicken Broth – Incorporates moisture and flavor; use low sodium for a healthier option. For the Cheesy Goodness Mozzarella Cheese – Contributes meltiness and creaminess; feel free to mix it up! Parmesan Cheese – Adds nuttiness and thickness to the sauce; fresh grated works best. Cheddar Cheese – Provides a sharp bite; can be swapped with Gouda or Gruyère for richness. For the Finishing Touch Fresh Parsley – A pop of color and freshness to brighten the dish before serving. Experience the delightful blend in this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Step 1: Cook the Pasta Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly, return it to the pot, and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish. Step 2: Cook the Chicken In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, season both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté the chicken for 6-7 minutes, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board. Step 3: Make the Sauce Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Gradually pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in your mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, mixing until everything is melted and smooth. Step 4: Combine the Ingredients Now it’s time to bring it all together! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, slicing it into bite-sized pieces as you go. Add the drained rotini pasta and carefully toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy Cajun sauce. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld all those wonderful flavors. Step 5: Serve and Garnish Once everything is heated through and combined, take the skillet off the heat. Garnish your Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this easy one-pan meal! Tips for the Best Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Cook Pasta Perfectly: Avoid overcooking the rotini; al dente pasta will provide the best texture when combined with the creamy sauce. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley make a world of difference in flavor! Always opt for fresh when possible for a compelling taste. Adjust Spices Wisely: Start with a conservative amount of Cajun seasoning; you can always add more if your family loves heat—better safe than sorry! Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy in your Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet. Simmer for Flavor: Don’t rush the final simmer—this helps meld the flavors together beautifully, enhancing the creamy sauce. Keep it Creamy: If reheating leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess, preventing a dry dish. Make Ahead Options This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to prep components ahead of time! You can cook and refrigerate the rotini and the Cajun chicken up to 24 hours in advance; just store them separately in airtight containers. The sauce can be made and stored in the fridge for about 3 days; to maintain its creamy texture, reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine everything in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through, and enjoy a stress-free, delicious meal with minimal effort! Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Variations Feel free to get creative and customize your Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet to suit your family’s tastes! Vegetarian Swap: Replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a hearty veggie option. This twist not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s nutritional value. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta such as brown rice rotini or quinoa pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. You won’t miss the regular pasta! Cheese Combinations: Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or Gruyère for a unique flavor twist. Mixing up your cheese creates new layers of taste that can surprise your palate. Extra Spicy: Amp up the Cajun seasoning or add a splash of hot sauce for a fiery kick. This is perfect for those who crave a bit more heat in their meals. Creamy Light: Swap out heavy cream for a lighter option like half-and-half or coconut cream. You’ll still enjoy that rich creaminess without the extra calories. Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in a handful of fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a refreshing pop of flavor. Herbs elevate the dish’s aroma and palate experience. Seafood Delight: For a fun twist, substitute shrimp or crab for the chicken. The Cajun flavors marry beautifully with seafood, creating a delightful variation. Nuts for Crunch: Add toasted pine nuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that adds an unexpected twist. This contrast makes each bite even more satisfying! To round out your meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or some delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken! Enjoy the adventure of crafting your perfect Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet! What to Serve with Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet? Elevate your dinner experience with delightful side dishes that beautifully complement this creamy and spicy skillet meal. Garlic Bread: The buttery, toasted flavors of garlic bread provide a perfect contrast to the rich sauce, inviting you to savor every bite. Fresh Green Salad: Tossed with a light vinaigrette, a crisp salad adds refreshing brightness, balancing the meal’s creamy texture and spiciness. Steamed Broccoli: The tender-crisp bites of broccoli introduce a satisfying crunch while offering a nutrient-packed accompaniment to your hearty dish. Roasted Asparagus: With its earthy flavors and slight char, roasted asparagus complements the boldness of the Cajun spices beautifully. Coleslaw: A side of tangy coleslaw offers a delightful crunch and a touch of acidity that can cut through the creaminess of your Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet. Spicy Cornbread: Sweet, crumbly cornbread with a hint of heat can enhance the Cajun theme—and who doesn’t love a great pairing of bread with pasta? Iced Tea or Lemonade: A tall glass of refreshing iced tea or zesty lemonade helps to quench the palate, making for a well-rounded meal experience. Chocolate Lava Cake: End your meal on a sweet note! A rich, gooey lava cake is the perfect indulgence to contrast the savory flavors of your skillet. How to Store and Freeze Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Ensure the dish is completely cooled before placing it in freezer-safe containers. Thawing: To defrost, move the frozen Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet to the fridge for 24 hours or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of chicken broth for the best texture. Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts is ideal as they cook quickly and stay tender, enhancing the overall flavor. If you’re looking for a richer taste, consider swapping them for chicken thighs. Just ensure that whichever cut you use is cooked thoroughly until the juices run clear. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Very easy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to bring back that lovely creaminess! Can I freeze the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet? Absolutely! To freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. For reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting before warming it through. How can I adjust the spice level in this dish? If you or your family are sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount of Cajun seasoning. You can always add more later to suit your taste. For an extra kick, mix in some red pepper flakes when making the sauce! Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies? Yes, it’s important to note that this dish contains chicken and dairy, which may not be suitable for certain pets. Plus, if you have dairy allergies, feel free to use plant-based cream alternatives, and opt for dairy-free cheese options to make it safe and delicious for everyone to enjoy! What if my pasta is too sticky after cooking? Very common! To avoid sticky pasta, make sure to drain the rotini well and immediately toss it with the sauce. If it still feels gummy, you can add a small amount of chicken broth or olive oil to loosen it. Enjoy that wonderful creamy texture! Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for Comforting Nights A heartwarming one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, rotini, and a creamy Cajun sauce, perfect for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: CajunCalories: 600 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Substitute with chicken thighs for more depth.2 tablespoons Olive Oil Essential for sautéing the chicken.For the Pasta8 ounces Rotini Pasta Can swap for penne, farfalle, or fusilli.For the Seasoning1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning Feel free to increase for more heat.1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Consider fresh garlic for an extra punch.1 teaspoon Onion Powder Adds subtle sweetness.to taste Salt and Pepper Taste as you go.For the Sauce2 tablespoons Butter Adds richness and creaminess.2 cloves Garlic (Minced) Don't skimp on this!1 cup Heavy Cream Substitute with light cream or dairy-free options.1 cup Chicken Broth Use low sodium for a healthier option.For the Cheesy Goodness1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Contributes meltiness and creaminess.1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Fresh grated works best.1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese Can be swapped with Gouda or Gruyère.For the Finishing Touchto taste Fresh Parsley A pop of color and freshness. Equipment Large PotLarge skilletCutting board Method Step-by-Step InstructionsCook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente for 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat, season chicken with spices, and sauté for 6-7 minutes until cooked through. Remove and let rest.In the same skillet, reduce heat, melt butter, add minced garlic, sauté for 1 minute, and then add chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer and stir in cheeses until melted.Return sliced chicken to the skillet with drained rotini and toss to coat with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.Garnish with parsley and additional cheese if desired. Serve hot. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg NotesRefrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of broth for creaminess. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
