High Protein Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet

It was a busy weeknight when I discovered the joy of a one-pan meal that could be made in under 30 minutes. The High Protein Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a kick of Cajun spice all in a delightful rotini pasta dish. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that packs a protein punch, making it perfect for fueling an active lifestyle.

This recipe is ideal for families or anyone needing a hearty meal on a hectic day. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a meal prep option for the week, it checks all the boxes. Plus, you can easily store leftovers in the fridge, ready for a quick reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sear the chicken for a perfect caramelized crust.
• The creamy sauce clings beautifully to every rotini twist.
• Cajun seasoning adds a flavorful punch that’s not overpowering.
• Quick cooking time means dinner is ready in a flash!

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients for this delicious skillet meal:

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided

For the Pasta

• 8 oz protein-fortified rotini pasta
• 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth

For the Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup light cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For Cooking

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Use your favorite pasta shape if preferred.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken breast can be replaced with thighs.
• Light cream cheese can be swapped for Greek yogurt.
• Sharp cheddar may be substituted with mozzarella.
• Any type of pasta can work if rotini isn’t available.

How to Make It

Let’s get cooking with these simple steps.

Heat the oil

Warm olive oil in a large deep skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat.

Season and sear the chicken

Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Add chicken to the skillet and sear for 6 minutes or until browned on all sides.

Add garlic

Add minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant.

Combine pasta and broth

Add dry rotini pasta and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.

Make the sauce

Stir in the light cream cheese and the remaining 0.5 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until a smooth sauce forms.

Add cheese

Add the shredded cheddar cheese and fold gently until melted and well combined with the pasta.

Garnish and serve

Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, the cream cheese may separate.
Reheat: Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until hot.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the chicken is well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
• Stir the pasta halfway through simmering to prevent sticking.
• Allow the sauce to thicken up slightly before serving for a better texture.
• Garnish just before serving to keep the green onions fresh.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a fresh contrast.
• Pair with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine for a cozy meal.