When I first made Cajun Chicken Rotini, I wasn’t trying to impress anyone; I just had some leftover rotini, a pack of chicken, and my husband’s forever love of bold flavors whispering in the back of my mind. I wanted something creamy, spicy, and fast. What came out of that moment? A dish that got a “Whoa, you need to write this one down” reaction before the plates were even cleared.
Hi, I’m Saly. Home cook, wife, and someone who believes weeknight dinners should be satisfying without being stressful. This Cajun Chicken Rotini was born out of our real kitchen, tested on a busy Tuesday, and devoured before I could snap a photo. That’s the heart of Dailycious Recipes; easy, flavorful meals made for real life.
Let’s talk about why you’re going to love this recipe, and how to make it tonight.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Rotini
Spicy, Creamy, and One-Pot Simple
This Cajun Chicken Rotini checks every box: it’s full of spice, creamy without being heavy, and it comes together in one pan. No multiple pots, no extra cleanup. The Cajun seasoning gives it that Southern kick, while the cream and cheese mellow everything into a smooth, comforting sauce.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights or Meal Prep
Not only is this ready in under 30 minutes, but it also reheats like a dream. It’s the kind of dish that tastes even better the next day, which makes it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches. Just like my creamy crack chicken gnocchi, this one’s guaranteed to become a weekly request.
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Cajun Chicken Rotini
This creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini is spicy, rich, and full of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a one-pan dinner that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
2 medium boneless chicken breasts, diced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt & pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season diced chicken with Cajun seasoning.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked.
4. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Add cooked rotini and toss to combine.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use less Cajun seasoning if you prefer mild spice.
Add cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Great for meal prep and next-day leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to pull off this delicious dinner:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rotini pasta | 12 oz |
| Boneless chicken breast | 2 medium, diced |
| Cajun seasoning | 1 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 3/4 cup, grated |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | For garnish |
These basic pantry staples come together to create something spectacular. For an extra kick, try the seasoning blend I used in my cajun potato soup.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Rotini
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil rotini until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Toss diced chicken with Cajun seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
- Combine: Add cooked rotini to the skillet and stir to coat in sauce.
- Serve: Top with parsley and more Parmesan if desired.
These steps are nearly identical to what I use in my baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole, where creamy meets comforting.
Tips and Variations
Customize the Heat Level
If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the Cajun seasoning by half or use a mild variety. Want more fire? Add cayenne or red pepper flakes; you can always tailor the heat.
Make It a One-Pot Meal
To save even more time, cook the pasta right in the same skillet. Just add an extra cup of broth and let it simmer until the rotini is tender. For even creamier results, stir in a few ounces of cream cheese at the end.
If you love flavor-packed skillets, you’ll definitely want to try my rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta for another quick and creamy dinner idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, penne or bowtie work great. Just adjust cooking time slightly for texture.
Can I make this Cajun Chicken Rotini dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
What protein can I use besides chicken?
Shrimp, sausage, or even tofu work well with Cajun spice. Check out my twist in the honey garlic shrimp.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Cajun Chicken Rotini isn’t just another pasta dish, it’s bold, creamy, comforting, and quick enough for any night of the week. It’s got that perfect balance of spice and richness, and it makes even a simple dinner feel like a Southern-inspired treat. Whether you’re cooking for two or meal-prepping for the week, this one’s a keeper.
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