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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet in a cast iron pan topped with fresh parsley

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

A bold, creamy one-pan pasta loaded with Cajun-spiced chicken, three melty cheeses, and tender rotini. Ready in 30 minutes and built on pantry staples.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 12 oz rotini pasta can substitute penne, farfalle, or fusilli
  • 2 tbsp olive oil can substitute canola or vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning start with 1 tbsp and adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 0.5 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
  2. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer without crowding and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet and saute the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream and stir gently to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese one handful at a time, letting each addition melt fully before adding the next, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Return the cooked rotini and browned chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the sauce and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Add extra cheese on top if desired.

Notes

Always cook chicken to 165 degrees F internal temperature. Start with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and increase to taste. If sauce thickens when reheating, stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk. Chicken thighs can be substituted for extra juicy flavor. For dairy-free: use olive oil instead of butter and full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken.
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