Creamy, bold, and packed with Cajun flavor, this one-pan pasta skillet is pure comfort food. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked rotini, and a rich garlic-cheese sauce come together fast for a dinner that tastes restaurant-level but is easy enough for any night of the week.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Quick and ready in just 30 minutes
Made in one skillet for easy cleanup
Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spiced
Family-friendly with adjustable heat
Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep
INGREDIENTS
For the Chicken & Pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz rotini pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Cheesy Sauce
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
For Garnish
Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Extra cheese (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
1. COOK THE PASTA
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Do not overcook, as the pasta will continue cooking in the sauce later.
2. SAUTÉ THE CHICKEN
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. MAKE THE CHEESY GARLIC SAUCE
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Gradually add mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. The sauce should be creamy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. COMBINE EVERYTHING
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in the creamy Cajun garlic cheese sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
5. SERVE
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet.
PREP & COOKING TIME
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
SERVINGS & CALORIES
Servings: 4
Calories: approximately 640 kcal per serving
EXPERT TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the spice level
Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting
Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce gets too thick
Swap rotini with penne or fusilli if needed
Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture