Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet Recipe

This one skillet wonder brings bold Cajun spice together with a luscious three cheese sauce for a weeknight dinner that feels special. Tender chicken pieces seared to golden perfection meet al dente rotini in a creamy garlic sauce that clings to every twist. It is quick to pull together and comforting enough to impress guests without fuss. If you love rich skillet meals try pairing this idea with other skillet favorites like this creamy Mediterranean chicken skillet for variety and inspiration.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

What makes this dish shine is the perfect balance between spice and cream. The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a confident, smoky heat while the heavy cream and three cheeses mellow and enrich every bite. Rotini is ideal because its spirals trap sauce, so you get cheesy flavor in each forkful. It cooks faster than many pasta shapes so dinner is ready sooner and cleanup stays easy with just one large skillet. Plus the recipe scales well for families or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Flavor and Texture

Expect a contrast of textures from crisped edges on the chicken to a silky sauce that envelopes soft pasta spirals. The garlic and onion powders layer background savory notes while the minced garlic in the sauce adds immediate aromatic pop. Mozzarella pulls strings and gives creamy stretch, Parmesan adds sharpness, and cheddar contributes depth and color. Together the cheeses create a rounded mouthfeel that keeps each bite satisfying without feeling heavy.

Ingredients

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
– 12 oz rotini pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step by Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat.
5. Toss the chicken with the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
7. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
8. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
9. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
10. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
11. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses and mix until smooth and fully melted.
12. Add the cooked rotini and cooked chicken back into the skillet.
13. Toss everything to coat evenly in the cheesy Cajun garlic sauce.
14. Let the skillet simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
15. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired and serve hot.

Tips for Best Results

Pat the chicken pieces dry before seasoning so they brown nicely instead of steaming. Taste the sauce before adding pasta back in and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water or more chicken broth to loosen it. For a lighter finish, swap half-and-half for heavy cream but reduce simmering time. If you want another comforting skillet idea try this easy rustic roasted garlic chicken creamy asiago gravy to see how different cheeses change the profile.

Storage and Make Ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead and keep the pasta separate, then toss together just before serving to preserve pasta texture. This dish also freezes reasonably well but textures change slightly on thawing.

Final Thought

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is a fast crowd pleaser that balances spice, cream, and cheesy comfort. It is adaptable and forgiving so you can tweak heat level or cheese blend to your taste. Keep it on your weeknight rotation for an easy way to turn simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Conclusion

For the original inspiration and a printable guide, check out the Cheesy Cajan Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet – The Frazier Farms.

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