Craving something creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bold Cajun flavors? This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet delivers restaurant-quality comfort food right from your stovetop in just 30 minutes.
I’ll never forget the first time I threw together this skillet on a particularly chaotic Tuesday evening. My kids were hungry, I was exhausted, and takeout felt like the only option. Instead, I grabbed chicken, pasta, and a handful of pantry staples, and this creamy masterpiece was born. The combination of tender chicken bites coated in Cajun spices, swimming in a triple cheese sauce with hints of garlic, turned that stressful evening into a victory. Now it’s my go-to when I need something quick, satisfying, and impressive enough that everyone asks for seconds. The best part? Everything cooks in one skillet, which means cleanup is practically nonexistent. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or spice lovers, this recipe hits the perfect balance of creamy comfort and zesty kick.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
I always start with quality chicken breasts and real cheese for the creamiest sauce. My go-to method is cutting the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and soak up all that Cajun seasoning. In my experience, using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded makes a significant difference in how smoothly the sauce comes together.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks)
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (I recommend Tony Chachere’s for authentic flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced fresh, not jarred, for best results)
- 1 tablespoon butter (I usually use unsalted to control sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream (full-fat works best for rich texture)
- ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded melts smoother)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (my preference is Parmigiano-Reggiano)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on your taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend reading through all the steps before starting so you can work efficiently and keep everything moving smoothly.
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but still slightly firm), usually 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well and set aside. Pro tip: Don’t rinse the pasta as the starch helps the sauce cling better.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In a bowl, toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F with no pink remaining. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Add the 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Watch carefully as garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, stirring constantly in a figure-eight motion until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready.
Step 5: Return the cooked rotini and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until every piece is coated in that creamy cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Perfect Pairings for Your Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
Balance the richness of this creamy pasta with sides that add freshness and texture.
Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that incredible cheese sauce, and the crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta. Try these Garlic Bread Rolls for a homemade touch.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and tomatoes dressed in a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds refreshing crunch to each bite.
Roasted Broccoli: Oven-roasted broccoli florets seasoned with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon provide a nutritious, slightly charred vegetable that complements the Cajun spices perfectly. For a complete one-pot option, consider Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake.
Steamed Green Beans: Tender-crisp green beans with a pat of butter offer a mild, wholesome side that lets the bold flavors of the main dish shine without competing.
Cornbread Muffins: Slightly sweet cornbread muffins add a Southern touch that pairs wonderfully with Cajun flavors while providing extra substance to the meal. The Honey Glazed Corn Casserole offers a similar sweet-savory balance.
Creamy Coleslaw: A cool, tangy coleslaw provides textural contrast and helps balance the spicy Cajun heat, making it an ideal refreshing companion.
Storing and Reheating Your Skillet Dinner
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some sauce as it sits, which is completely normal.
When reheating, add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to restore that luscious creamy texture. I recommend reheating gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
This dish is incredibly versatile. Try adding sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables, or swap the rotini for penne or bowtie pasta if that’s what you have on hand. The Cajun seasoning level can be adjusted based on your family’s spice tolerance. For more creamy pasta inspiration, check out this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe less spicy for kids?
Absolutely! Start with just 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning instead of 2, or use a mild Cajun blend. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for adults who want extra heat.
What’s the best way to prevent the cheese sauce from being grainy?
Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents. Also, add cheese gradually over medium-low heat while stirring constantly to ensure smooth melting.
Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
You can season and cut the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, and cook the pasta in advance. However, the cheese sauce is best made fresh and served immediately for optimal creaminess and texture.
Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through to 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Mix until smooth and fully melted.
- Add the cooked rotini and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
