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Cajun Chicken Pasta Skillet

Bold Cajun-seasoned chicken and rotini pasta come together in a creamy three-cheese sauce in this one-skillet dinner that's ready in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 640

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large skillet (12-inch)
  • Tongs or large spoons
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside. Do not rinse.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
  4. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 6-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer with small bubbles breaking the surface.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Stir constantly until cheeses melt completely and sauce is smooth with no lumps, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Add the cooked rotini and browned chicken back to the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together until pasta and chicken are fully coated in the cheese sauce.
  9. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and allow pasta to absorb some sauce. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen.
  10. Remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while cheese is melted and creamy.

Notes

Storage: Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating. Reheating: Reheat in skillet over medium heat with splash of milk or chicken broth, or microwave 2-3 minutes stirring halfway. Variations: Use chicken thighs for more flavor. Add shrimp in last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Try andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor. Vegetarian: Replace chicken with sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Spicy: Double Cajun seasoning or add cayenne and hot sauce. Cheese: Try Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for different flavors. Pasta: Works with penne, farfalle, fusilli, or any short pasta shape.