Go Back

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

A comforting one-pan dish combining creamy cheese, bold Cajun spices, and tender chicken with rotini pasta for a quick, easy, and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for searing chicken
  • 1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 tbsp butter for sauce base
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.75 cup whole milk
  • 6 oz Velveeta cheese cubed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Large Pot

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Cook chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Lower heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring gently as mixture warms. Add Velveeta cheese cubes, stirring until melted into a smooth sauce.
  6. Step 6: Add shredded mozzarella, freshly grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until sauce thickens to creamy consistency.
  7. Step 7: Return cooked chicken to skillet along with drained rotini pasta. Toss gently to coat pasta and chicken evenly with sauce.
  8. Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired for extra heat.
  9. Step 9: Serve hot directly from the skillet and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to maintain creamy texture. To make dairy-free, substitute heavy cream, milk, and cheeses with plant-based alternatives.