Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini: Creamy, Spicy, and Irresistibly Comforting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini is a bold, creamy, and flavor-packed pasta dish that delivers restaurant-quality comfort in under an hour. Tender chunks of Cajun-seasoned chicken are tossed with perfectly cooked rotini pasta in a velvety garlic cheese sauce that’s both spicy and rich. It’s the perfect combination of heat, creaminess, and indulgence. I once added a handful of crispy bacon and extra Parmesan, and it instantly became a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this dish will quickly earn a permanent spot in your rotation.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rotini pasta – The spiral shape holds onto the cheesy Cajun sauce beautifully.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and even seasoning.

Cajun seasoning – The star of the dish; gives the chicken that spicy, smoky Southern kick.

Butter – Adds richness and helps build the base of the sauce.

Olive oil – For sautéing and browning the chicken evenly.

Garlic – Freshly minced for a punch of aromatic flavor.

Heavy cream – Forms the creamy backbone of the sauce.

Chicken broth – Thins the sauce and adds savory depth.

Cream cheese – Makes the sauce extra luscious and tangy.

Cheddar cheese – Melts into the sauce for sharp, cheesy flavor.

Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty depth and richness.

Salt and pepper – For balance and flavor control.

Parsley or green onions – Fresh garnish that adds color and freshness.

Optional: red pepper flakes for extra spice, or cooked bacon for added crunch and smokiness.

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.

Gradually add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more Cajun spice if you like it bolder.

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce. Add the cooked rotini and stir until everything is evenly covered in the creamy Cajun garlic sauce.

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle with more Parmesan or a drizzle of spicy Cajun butter.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking takes around 25 minutes. Total time: approximately 40 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the sauce from separating. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months — thaw overnight before reheating.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Rotini – Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.

Cajun Chicken Bacon Rotini – Add crumbled cooked bacon for extra smokiness.

Three-Cheese Cajun Pasta – Mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra gooeyness.

Cajun Alfredo Rotini – Replace cheddar with Parmesan and add more garlic for a creamy Alfredo vibe.

Vegetable Cajun Pasta – Add bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for color and texture.

Blackened Cajun Chicken Rotini – Use blackened seasoning on the chicken for a deeper smoky flavor.

Low-Carb Cajun Chicken – Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Creamy Cajun Sausage Rotini – Add sliced and sautéed andouille sausage for a hearty, spicy combination.

Cajun Garlic Butter Version – Stir in 2 tablespoons of garlic butter before serving for extra richness.

Baked Cajun Rotini – Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta all work well.

Can I make this less spicy?

Use half the Cajun seasoning or opt for a mild version.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be lighter — consider adding a bit more cream cheese for richness.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely — bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar gives the best sharp flavor, but feel free to mix with mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut milk and vegan cheese alternatives.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer a few extra minutes, or stir in a bit more cream cheese.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great — just warm it in the sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it doubles easily — perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

What sides go best with it?

Serve with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

Conclusion

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini is the perfect balance of creamy comfort and spicy flavor. Every bite delivers tender, juicy chicken, perfectly coated pasta, and a sauce that’s rich, garlicky, and full of Southern flair. It’s an easy, one-pan dinner that feels indulgent yet approachable — perfect for busy nights or when you want something that wows without the effort. Spicy, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

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