Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet – The Ultimate Comfort Food Explosion
Looking for a one-skillet dinner that’s packed with bold flavors, ultra-creamy cheese sauce, and tender bites of Cajun-spiced chicken? Look no further! This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is what comfort food dreams are made of.
With garlic-infused creamy sauce, spicy Cajun kick, and the perfect trio of cheeses—mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan—this dish is sure to become a weekly favorite. Ideal for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (about ¾ of a standard box)
- Salted water for boiling
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Extra cheese if you dare
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Rotini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
Pro Tip: Slightly undercook the pasta—it will finish cooking in the sauce and soak up more flavor!
2. Season and Cook the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté for 6–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t wash it—those brown bits are flavor gold!), melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Gradually add the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and thick. You should see ribbons of cheesy goodness forming!
4. Bring It All Together
Add the cooked rotini and the chicken back into the skillet. Gently toss to coat everything in that rich, creamy Cajun garlic sauce. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors marry.
Optional Add-ins: Want more veggies? Toss in some baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers at this stage.
5. Serve and Devour
Garnish generously with chopped parsley and extra shredded cheese if you like it gooey. Serve hot right out of the skillet for maximum wow factor.
Recipe Tips & Customizations
- Mild Version: Reduce Cajun seasoning if you want a kid-friendly version.
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- No rotini? Penne, fusilli, or even farfalle work great!
- Meal prep friendly: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Tastes even better the next day.