Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting with a bit of a spicy kick. It brings together tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and a bold Cajun spice mix, all in one skillet for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.

I threw this together after a hectic day and it quickly became a dinner favorite for the whole family because it hits the spot without any fuss.

Ingredients

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: cut into bite-sized chunks for quick cooking and tender bites
• Rotini Pasta: because its twisted shape holds onto the sauce well, but penne, farfalle, or fusilli are good swaps if you prefer
• Olive Oil: for a clean flavor and to help the chicken brown beautifully, canola or vegetable oil work if needed
• Cajun Seasoning: brings the dish to life with vibrant spices, choose a fresh blend for the best flavor
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: add depth even if you do not have fresh garlic or onions handy
• Salt and Pepper: to season everything perfectly
• Fresh Garlic: adds fragrant punch in the sauce, always use fresh if you can for the best aroma
• Butter: enriches the sauce, swap with olive oil for a dairy-free twist
• Heavy Cream: makes the sauce luxuriously creamy, light cream or coconut cream are good alternatives
• Chicken Broth: brings a subtle savory boost, vegetable broth can make it vegetarian-friendly
• Mozzarella Cheese: melts smoothly adding gooey texture, freshly shredded is best for even melting
• Parmesan Cheese: adds sharp, nutty flavor; grate it yourself if possible for more freshness
• Cheddar Cheese: gives a slight tang and sharp richness enhancing the cheesy sauce
• Fresh Parsley: for a lively fresh finish and pop of green color

Instructions

Build Pasta:

Cook a large pot of salted water over high heat until boiling. Add the rotini and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until just al dente meaning tender but still firm to the bite. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent overcooking later.

Cook Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes then stir and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until all sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.

Make Sauce:

Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt completely. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream and stir gently to combine. Allow this to simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken.

Add Cheese:

Stir in the mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar cheeses gradually, stirring constantly until the cheeses fully melt into a smooth creamy sauce with no lumps.

Combine Everything:

Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss carefully to coat everything evenly and cook together for 2 to 3 minutes to warm through and thicken the sauce slightly.

Finish:

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the skillet to add brightness and a fresh herbal note before serving.

This dish always reminds me of cozy family dinners when everyone asks for seconds.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen sauce if needed.

Ingredient Swaps

Use penne, farfalle, or fusilli pasta if you prefer a different shape but something with grooves or twists works best to hold the sauce. Optional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can be added in when making the sauce for more color and nutrition. Try smoked paprika or chipotle powder in place of Cajun seasoning for a smokier flavor profile.

Serving Ideas

Serve with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness of the dish. Warm crusty bread or garlic bread makes a perfect side to mop up the cheesy sauce.

This recipe combines bold Cajun flavors with creamy cheeses to create a comforting dish that is quick and easy to prepare.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I use different pasta instead of rotini?

Yes, penne, farfalle, or fusilli work well as substitutes, maintaining similar texture and sauce coverage.

→ How can I make the dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder spice blend to soften the heat while keeping flavor.

→ What cheese combinations work best here?

Mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan create a creamy, flavorful mix, but feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses.

→ Can I replace heavy cream with a lighter alternative?

Light cream or coconut cream can be used to keep the sauce creamy with different flavor profiles.

→ What is the best way to cook the chicken evenly?

Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks and cook over medium-high heat until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes.

→ Is fresh garlic better than garlic powder?

Fresh minced garlic adds more aroma when sautéed, but garlic powder works well for seasoning the chicken.