Last month, after my son’s football practice got canceled due to rain, he came home starving and frustrated. I wanted something to lift moods and fill bellies—fast and flavorful. That morning, I grabbed the Cajun seasoning jar my college roommate brought back from New Orleans, along with chicken and pasta we already had.
I tossed chicken with spices, cooked it up, and stirred it all into a creamy garlic sauce with rotini. As soon as the skillet hit the stove, the house filled with that cozy, spicy aroma that always makes everyone pause and smile.
My daughter wandered in mid-sizzle, asking why dinner smelled like a restaurant. My husband peeked over her shoulder, saying it looked so good he almost forgot about dessert. By the time we sat down around the table, plates were scraped in record time.
Even leftovers disappeared by morning—no surprise, since heated-up bites taste even better after the spices have settled. That night reminded me how simple ingredients, a little seasoning, and a one-pan meal can make a regular evening feel special. This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet recipe is our rainy-day hero, and it’s ready for your busy weeknights too.
Short Description
Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a creamy, spicy one-pan pasta with Cajun-seasoned chicken, garlic-infused sauce, and three kinds of cheese, ready in under 30 minutes for a flavorful family dinner.
Key Ingredients
Main
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Seasonings
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Finishing
-
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Tools Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet with lid or deep sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander for draining
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Reduce heat to low. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar, stirring until cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Gently toss until everything is coated in sauce.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let flavors meld. Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately with extra cheese if you like.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: Cajun spice brings zing, garlic adds warmth, and three cheeses create creamy richness.
Quick and Simple: One skillet, under 30 minutes, with minimal cleanup.
Kid-Friendly Kick: Mildly spicy—adjust Cajun seasoning to control heat.
Balanced Meal: Protein, carbs, and cream for a satisfying dish.
Make-Ahead Ease: Prep chicken or pasta ahead; finish on the stovetop when ready.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Watery Sauce: Simmer until slightly thick—don’t rush.
Dry Chicken: Don’t overcook; pull as soon as no pink remains.
Sticky Pasta: Rinse briefly after draining or add a splash of sauce before tossing.
Burned Garlic: Keep heat moderate and watch closely—garlic burns fast.
Cheese Clumps: Lower heat before adding cheese for smooth melting.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Scoop into bowls for cozy family dinners.
Pair with a crisp side salad, like arugula with lemon vinaigrette.
Offer garlic bread or crusty rolls for dipping.
Serve buffet-style, great for casual get-togethers.
Chill garnishes like tomatoes, green onions, or hot sauce for toppings.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Keep leftovers in airtight containers; refrigerate up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream.
Microwave in short bursts, stirring between cycles.
Freeze in portions, thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free or whole grain pasta?
Yes, cook according to directions, but texture may differ slightly.
2. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, though sauce may be a bit thinner; simmer longer to thicken.
3. How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce Cajun seasoning to 1 tablespoon, or remove it altogether.
4. Can this be made cheesy without dairy?
Use dairy-free cream and vegan cheese alternatives, adding nutritional yeast for flavor.
5. Can I prep parts ahead?
Cook chicken and pasta in advance; finish sauce and assemble when ready to eat.
Tips & Tricks
Toast the pasta a minute in the skillet before adding sauce for a nutty flavor.
Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing garlic for more depth.
Use leftover grilled chicken for a smoky twist.
Stir in spinach at the end for color and nutrition.
Keep grated cheese in freezer bags for easy melting and less clumping.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Shrimp Swap: Replace chicken with peeled shrimp, cook until just pink, then follow recipe.
Tex-Mex Twist: Add ½ tsp cumin and chili powder. Substitute cheddar with pepper jack cheese.
Veggie Boost: Add steamed broccoli or roasted butternut squash before tossing in sauce.
Low-Calorie Version: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt mixed with cornstarch; use reduced-fat cheese.
Final Thoughts
That rainy evening when I made this skillet, my kitchen felt buzzing again, my daughter complimenting the cheesy pulls, my husband mixing bites with a salad on the side, and my son asking for seconds before even finishing his veggies. It reminds me that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated, just flavorful, generous, and cooked with love.
This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet has become a family staple, perfect for busy nights or when you want something both easy and exciting. Give it a try, and I hope your family gathers around the table with the same smiles ours always does.
Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
Ingredients
Main
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Seasonings
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Sauce and Cheese
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Finishing
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Toss chicken with seasonings. Cook in olive oil over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté garlic for 1 minute, then add broth and cream. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Lower heat. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar until smooth.
- Return chicken and pasta to skillet. Toss to coat in sauce.
- Simmer 2–3 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
