Cheesy Cajun Garlic Rotini

This rich and creamy Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is the kind of one-pan dinner that feels like a hug at the end of a long day. Spicy Cajun chicken, tender pasta, and three cheeses melt into a bold, satisfying meal that comes together in under an hour with just one pan to clean. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday suppers, it is loaded with big flavor and always draws folks to the table.

I first whipped this up as a last-minute dinner when friends came over unannounced and everyone left raving and scraping their plates for the last bite.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: make the dish hearty and soak up all the flavor look for plump fresh pieces for the juiciest bites
• Rotini pasta: holds sauce beautifully and its spiral shape traps bits of cheesy goodness
• Olive oil: gives a silky base for browning the chicken choose extra virgin for the best depth
• Cajun seasoning: brings smoky spicy flavor if you like more heat choose a bolder blend
• Garlic powder and onion powder: layer in flavor without extra chopping
• Salt and pepper: let you adjust the punch of the seasoning taste your Cajun blend before adding much salt
• Fresh garlic: intensifies the aroma aim for firm heavy cloves for the sweetest flavor
• Butter: gives the sauce richness and ties together the spices
• Heavy cream: forms the backbone of the creamy sauce choose one with high milk fat for best texture
• Chicken broth: balances out the cream and deepens the flavor use low-sodium for more control
• Mozzarella cheese: melts stretchy and creamy for classic comfort
• Parmesan cheese: adds nutty complexity use freshly grated for maximum flavor
• Cheddar cheese: brings tang and color sharp cheddar works beautifully here
• Fresh parsley: gives a pop of freshness and color go for flat-leaf if you can find it

Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt Set on high heat and bring to a rolling boil Once bubbling add the rotini pasta and stir to keep it from sticking Cook following the package instructions until the pasta is just al dente so it will not get mushy when mixed into the skillet Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish

Season and Cook the Chicken:

While the pasta cooks pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels This helps them brown Peel open your Cajun seasoning garlic powder and onion powder and toss everything together with the chicken pieces in a bowl Add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high until shimmering Add the chicken and let it sit for the first minute or two so a crust forms Stir and continue to cook until each piece is golden on the outside and cooked through when you cut into one this takes about 6 or 7 minutes Transfer the chicken to a plate

Sauté Garlic and Build the Sauce:

In the same skillet lower the heat to medium and add the butter Once it melts toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle just until the scent jumps out but not so long that it turns brown Usually this is only about a minute Keep stirring for the most even result

Add Liquids and Simmer:

Pour in the chicken broth first to loosen up the cooked bits on the bottom of the pan Add the heavy cream and stir until the sauce comes together Let it come up to just under a gentle simmer so little bubbles appear but do not let it boil

Melt in the Cheeses:

Turn the heat to low and sprinkle in the mozzarella parmesan and cheddar cheeses one handful at a time Stir slowly so each addition melts fully before adding the next This keeps the sauce silky and prevents lumps The sauce should become smooth thick and luscious

Combine Pasta Chicken and Sauce:

Add the drained rotini and cooked chicken straight into the cheesy skillet Stir well so every spiral gets coated in the sauce Keep the skillet over low heat and let everything simmer together for 2 or 3 minutes The flavors will meld and the sauce will cling to every bite

Garnish and Serve:

Slice or chop the fresh parsley and scatter it generously over the skillet Serve the dish piping hot with extra cheese on top if you want a gooey finish Spoon into bowls and get ready for second helpings

When my sister first tasted it she asked for the recipe on the spot and now it is her go-to for quick family dinners We once made it together after a busy day and the whole kitchen smelled amazing

Storage Tips

This skillet pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to three days Make sure you store it in an airtight container If the sauce thickens too much simply reheat gently with a splash of milk or extra broth and stir well You can portion leftovers for easy lunches and the flavor even seems to improve overnight

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different protein swap in diced turkey or even shrimp instead of chicken For a touch of green color add fresh spinach or chopped kale at the end Any short pasta like penne or fusilli is great here If you want it lighter use whole milk instead of cream but expect a thinner sauce

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this straight out of the skillet with some warm crusty bread A side salad with crisp greens and a lemony vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully For extra garnish fresh chives or even roasted red peppers scattered over the top are both colorful and flavorful

Cultural and Seasonal Context

This dish is inspired by the spicy heart of Cajun cooking with a creamy twist that suits American family tables year-round In summer I swap in garden tomatoes and toss in corn for a burst of sweet flavor In the colder seasons I keep it extra comforting with just hearty pasta and plenty of cheese It welcomes whatever the season is bringing to your kitchen

Seasonal Adaptations

Roast summer vegetables like zucchini or bell pepper for more color Try smoked gouda or pepper jack for a different cheese twist Chopped fresh tomatoes simmered in at the end brighten spring or summer plates

Success Stories

Several friends tell me this is their favorite pasta to drop off for new parents or neighbors in need of a cheer-up I have cooked this for birthday dinners when I needed something fast and festive and everyone always wants seconds or the recipe card Even my picky niece who turns up her nose at everything devours her whole bowl every single time

Freezer Meal Conversion

If you want to freeze it make the full recipe allow it to cool and scoop into freezer-safe containers To reheat thaw overnight and warm on the stove with a splash of broth or milk The sauce will thicken but stirs out smooth with gentle heat

This meal will satisfy everyone at your table and the leftovers just get better overnight. Enjoy all the creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness with minimal effort and cleanup.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well. Adjust cooking time to ensure perfect texture.

→ How spicy is the dish?

The Cajun seasoning brings mild to moderate heat. Adjust quantity for extra spice or milder taste.

→ Can I substitute the cheeses?

You can use Monterey Jack or Gouda. Try to keep at least one sharp cheese for flavor depth.

→ Is it possible to make this ahead?

Yes, prepare everything and reheat gently. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy.

→ What else can I garnish with?

Fresh chives, thinly sliced green onions, or extra shredded cheese make great finishing touches.