Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for Cozy Nights

Name: Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks); 12 oz Rotini Pasta (can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (can replace with canola or vegetable oil); 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (substitute with a different spice mix for a milder taste); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (can use fresh minced garlic); 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder (omit if unavailable); Salt and Pepper (to taste); 4 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon Butter (can substitute with olive oil for dairy-free); 1 cup Heavy Cream (light cream or coconut cream can be alternatives); 1/2 cup Chicken Broth (vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option); 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded); 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated); 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded); 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Jack

Update : February 6, 2026

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet served in a cozy setting

Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is perfect for cozy nights. It combines the comforting flavors of cheesy pasta with the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning. This dish is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. The creamy sauce coats the rotini, and the juicy chicken adds heartiness, making you feel warm and satisfied.

How to Make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

Ingredients

1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks)
12 oz Rotini Pasta (can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli)
2 tablespoons Olive Oil (can replace with canola or vegetable oil)
2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (substitute with a different spice mix for a milder taste)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (can use fresh minced garlic)
1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder (omit if unavailable)
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
4 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon Butter (can substitute with olive oil for dairy-free)
1 cup Heavy Cream (light cream or coconut cream can be alternatives)
1/2 cup Chicken Broth (vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option)
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

Serve the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet hot. You can pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. The creamy, cheesy goodness makes it a hit at any dinner table.

How to Store Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce when reheating.

Tips to Make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

To prevent the pasta from sticking, make sure to stir it often while cooking.
For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in Cajun seasoning for a few hours before cooking.
Adjust the level of spice by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Variation

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the skillet for added nutrition and flavor. Simply sauté them with the chicken or add them to the sauce before mixing in the pasta.

FAQs

1. Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes! Feel free to substitute the rotini with any pasta shape you prefer, like penne, farfalle, or fusilli.

2. Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use olive oil instead of butter, and swap heavy cream for coconut cream. Check the cheese labels for dairy-free options.

3. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can use any other spice blend that you enjoy, such as Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or even a mix of paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder for a similar flavor profile.