Name: Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 8 oz rotini pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet a rich, creamy, and flavorful skillet meal that brings together tender chicken, Cajun spices, fresh garlic, and cheesy goodness, all tossed with perfectly cooked rotini pasta. I love making this because it’s quick, satisfying, and all comes together in one pan — minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb chicken breast, diced

8 oz rotini pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

I start by cooking the rotini pasta according to package directions, then drain and set it aside.

In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat, add the diced chicken, and cook for 6-8 minutes until it’s browned and fully cooked.

I add minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet, stirring for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.

I pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a simmer, and let it cook for 3-4 minutes so it can reduce slightly.

Reducing the heat to medium-low, I stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

I add the cooked rotini, shredded cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the pasta is well coated.

If I feel fancy, I garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Approximate calories per serving: 520 kcal

Variations

I like swapping the chicken for shrimp when I want a seafood twist. Sometimes I mix in spinach or broccoli for extra greens. If I want it even spicier, I increase the Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes. I’ve also tried using Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile, and it turns out delicious.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but I prefer stirring halfway through to keep the sauce smooth.

FAQs

How can I make this less spicy?

I reduce the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, and sometimes swap them for Italian seasoning for a milder flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes cook the pasta and chicken earlier in the day, then just reheat them with the sauce when I’m ready to serve.

What pasta works best for this dish?

I love rotini because it holds the sauce well, but penne, fusilli, or farfalle also work great.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

I can, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Whole milk with a tablespoon of butter can be a good compromise.

Is this freezer-friendly?

I don’t recommend freezing because the cream sauce can separate, but it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the fridge.

Conclusion

I keep this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet in my regular dinner rotation because it’s fast, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of Cajun spice, creamy cheese, and tender chicken always hits the spot, and it’s versatile enough for me to change things up depending on what I have on hand. It’s comfort food in a skillet, ready in just half an hour.

Recipe:

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

A quick and comforting one-skillet meal with tender chicken, Cajun spices, fresh garlic, and a creamy, cheesy sauce tossed with rotini pasta for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

Instructions

Cook rotini pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
Add minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in heavy cream, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.
Add cooked rotini, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts and pasta is coated in sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.