Name: Garlic Chicken Rotini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound rotini pasta; 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream; ¾ cup (189 g) chicken broth; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup (113 g) pepper jack cheese, shredded; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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This Garlic Chicken Rotini is pure pasta magic: juicy Cajun-spiced chicken mingles with corkscrew rotini in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, all swirled together with melty pepper jack and a whisper of fresh parsley. It’s creamy, comforting, and just the right level of zippy. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight stunner or an “everyone-asks-for-seconds” dish, Garlic Chicken Rotini delivers bold flavor, color, and that irresistibly cozy vibe in just 30 minutes.

Garlic Chicken Rotini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Garlic Chicken Rotini is how each ingredient plays a starring role in taste, texture, and tempting color. Simple, store-cupboard basics and a few fresh touches come together for genuine wow-factor flavor—every element matters!

Rotini Pasta: This corkscrew shape holds onto the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is loaded with flavor.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, the chicken cooks up tender and juicy while taking on all those Cajun spices.
Cajun Seasoning: The heart and soul of the dish—bring on the zesty, smoky flavor with just the right amount of heat.
Paprika: Adds a pop of color and a mild, earthy depth that balances out the spice.
Kosher Salt: Essential for amplifying flavor throughout the dish; don’t skip the pasta water seasoning either!
Black Pepper: For a subtle kick and complexity that ties the seasoning blend together.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Perfect for sautéing and infusing the chicken with rich, robust undertones.
Unsalted Butter: Lends a velvety richness to both the sauce and chicken sauté, as well as that glossy finish.
Garlic, Minced: A generous tablespoon brings punch and warmth to the creamy sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Just a bit, to create a roux and thicken up the creamy base.
Heavy Cream: Delivers silky, luxurious texture and rich flavor to the garlic sauce.
Chicken Broth: Balances the richness with a savory backbone.
Cream Cheese, Softened: This melts in smoothly and brings a tangy, thick body to the sauce.
Pepper Jack Cheese, Shredded: For a little extra heat and cheesiness — it melts down into a gorgeous, gooey finish.
Fresh Parsley, Chopped: A burst of color and fresh flavor last-minute for garnish.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Rotini

Step 1: Boil the Rotini

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a lively boil. Drop in your rotini and cook until perfectly al dente—always follow the package instructions for timing. Just before draining, remember to save about half a cup of that precious pasta water. Set your drained rotini aside while you move on to the magic.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, toss your chicken pieces with a generous spoonful of Cajun seasoning, paprika, half the salt, and a sprinkle of pepper. Heat olive oil and a pat of butter in a big skillet until sizzling. Add the chicken in a single layer and resist the urge to stir immediately—let it develop a gorgeous golden crust for 2 to 3 minutes. Then sauté, turning until fully cooked and irresistibly browned all over, about 6 to 8 minutes total. Remove the chicken and keep it warm under foil.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Garlic Sauce

Lower the heat and melt the rest of your butter right in the same skillet—the flavorful bits left behind are liquid gold! Add in the minced garlic and let it get fragrant for just a minute (don’t let it brown, just bloom). Sprinkle in the flour, remaining Cajun seasoning, and salt. Whisk for another minute to form a fragrant roux base that smells absolutely heavenly.

Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and chicken broth, letting the sauce bubble gently for a few minutes until it thickens up. Next, add in the softened cream cheese and whisk until the sauce is smooth and cohesive. Finally, stir in the shredded pepper jack until melted, creamy, and glossy—if things get a bit too thick, just loosen with your reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Now for the best part: add the cooked rotini right into the skillet, tossing every corkscrew so it’s generously coated with the creamy Cajun garlic sauce. Return the seared chicken and any collected juices to the pan, and stir everything together until evenly combined and piping hot.

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Rotini

Garnishes

A scattering of freshly chopped parsley across the top is the classic finishing touch—bright green, fresh, and a little bit peppery. If you’re feeling indulgent, a final shower of extra pepper jack or even some red pepper flakes can add color and flair.

Side Dishes

Garlic Chicken Rotini pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette, or classic garlic bread for the ultimate cozy pasta night. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus add color and balance with their earthy sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Garlic Chicken Rotini in deep bowls, twirling the pasta high so each bite is loaded with chicken and sauce. For gatherings, scoop the rotini into a big platter and garnish with extra parsley for a family-style feel. Or, portion into ramekins, top with cheese, and broil until bubbly for a fun, gratin-like twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Chicken Rotini is a dream for meal preppers! Transfer cooled pasta to airtight containers and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making each reheated serving just as tempting as the first.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, portion the cooled Garlic Chicken Rotini into freezer-safe containers or bags (leave a bit of room for expansion). It will keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and creaminess.

Reheating

For the creamiest leftovers, reheat Garlic Chicken Rotini gently in a covered pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce. The microwave works in a pinch—just stir halfway through and keep the heat moderate so the sauce stays silky, not oily.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for catching all that creamy garlic sauce, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle work wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape you choose.

How spicy is Garlic Chicken Rotini?

The dish has a gentle, pleasant kick thanks to Cajun seasoning and pepper jack, but it’s not overly hot. If you’re heat-sensitive, start with less Cajun seasoning and swap in Monterey jack or mozzarella; spice-lovers can add extra pepper flakes or hot sauce!

Can I make this garlic chicken rotini dairy-free?

You can experiment by using a plant-based butter, unsweetened dairy-free cream cheese, and non-dairy cream alternatives. Swap in your favorite melty vegan cheese, and check the results—you’ll still get delightful creaminess, especially with a rich oat or cashew cream.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Make this meal gluten-free by opting for a gluten-free rotini and using your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Be sure to check that your chicken broth and Cajun seasoning are certified gluten-free as well.

Can I add vegetables to Garlic Chicken Rotini?

Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms are all fantastic additions. Simply add them to the skillet right before adding the pasta to the sauce, or toss roasted veggies in at the end for an extra burst of color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a pasta recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl, Garlic Chicken Rotini is it. Quick to pull together but layered with flavor, it transforms any night into something special. Give it a try this week—you might just find a new favorite to share!