Name: Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Cut into bite-sized chunks); 12 oz Rotini pasta; 2 tbsp Olive oil; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1 tsp Onion powder; 1 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Pepper; 5 cloves Garlic (Minced); 1 tbsp Butter; 1 cup Heavy cream (Room temperature); 1/2 cup Chicken broth (Low-sodium preferred); 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup Shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (Chopped, optional for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy—this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Juicy chicken bites get dusted in Cajun spices, tossed with tender rotini, and smothered in a rich garlic-parmesan cream sauce studded with melting mozzarella and cheddar. Fun fact: one-pot pasta dishes like this were born from busy cooks wanting big flavor with minimal cleanup—so you get comfort without the fuss.

If you love cozy skillet meals, this one rivals our stuffed chicken recipes in sheer satisfaction and ease. For another creamy, garlic-forward comfort option, check out Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken for a slightly more elegant take. This rotini skillet is special because it’s quick, family-friendly, and perfect for hungry weeknights. Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!

What is Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet?

What’s in a name? Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet pretty much tells the whole story—cheesy, a Cajun kick, plenty of garlic, bite-sized chicken, and rotini pasta all cooked in one skillet. Curious how it got that mouthwatering title? Maybe a chef yelled it out after a successful family dinner and the name stuck—who knows! After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Fancy a little culinary experiment tonight? Try it and see why this one earned its dramatic name.

Why You’ll Love This

This dish wins hearts for three big reasons. First, the main highlight: a creamy, garlicky sauce with a smoky Cajun edge that clings to each twist of rotini and coats every chicken bite—pure comfort in every forkful. Second, making this at home saves money versus takeout—simple pantry staples and a few cheeses deliver restaurant-worthy flavor without the bill. Third, the toppings and mix-ins (extra cheese, fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon or a crunchy side) let you customize it to your family’s tastes.

If you liked our Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini, you’ll appreciate how this Cajun version adds a bolder spice profile while keeping that same creamy comfort. Go on—make it tonight and watch it disappear.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward and perfect for cooks of any level. You’ll brown seasoned chicken, whip up a velvety garlic-cream sauce in the same skillet, toss in cooked rotini, and finish with a melty trio of cheeses. Expect rich, creamy texture with a touch of Cajun heat and bright herb garnish. Prep time: about 10 minutes. Cook time: about 20 minutes. Total time: roughly 30 minutes.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
12 oz rotini pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
1/2 cup chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (garnish) optional

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, combine Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in the spice mix until evenly coated.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8–9 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F if desired. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add 1 tablespoon butter. When melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—do not let it burn.
Pour in the 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Increase heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor.
Lower the heat and stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses a little at a time. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to reach desired consistency.
Add the cooked rotini and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss gently until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes to marry the flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve hot and enjoy.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

What to Serve With

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Garlic bread or crusty baguette for soaking up extra sauce.
Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a colorful plate.
A light, citrusy drink—sparkling water with lemon or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Pickled jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes on the side for extra heat lovers.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat if you prefer; just adjust cooking time so they’re fully cooked.
If you don’t have heavy cream, whole milk plus a tablespoon of cornstarch can thicken a similar sauce—temper it slowly.
For a smokier depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or use smoked cheddar.
Don’t overcook the pasta—aim for al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when tossed with sauce.
If the sauce separates, remove from heat and whisk in a splash of warm broth or cream to bring it back together.
Avoid high heat when cooking garlic; it burns quickly and turns bitter.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To freeze: portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals stirring in between.
Avoid prolonged high heat when reheating—this preserves the creamy texture and prevents the cheese from becoming grainy.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work well. Choose a shape that holds sauce so each bite stays flavorful.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
You can lighten it by using half-and-half or whole milk and reducing the cheese amounts, though the sauce will be less rich.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—swap the rotini for a gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free chicken broth if needed.

How spicy is this recipe?
The Cajun seasoning gives a moderate kick. Reduce the amount to suit milder tastes or add extra to ramp up the heat.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can dice and season the chicken ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Cook pasta and sauce just before serving for best texture.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a fast, flavorful weeknight winner—comforting, cheesy, and packed with a zesty Cajun punch. It’s simple enough for busy evenings, kid-approved with optional tweaks, and flexible for swaps like different cheeses or pasta. If you’d like to compare variations or get a printable recipe card, check out this version from The Frazier Farms: Cheesy Cajan Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet – The Frazier Farms. Give it a try, invite your favorite people, and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite.