Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

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Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken is a dish that instantly feels like comfort on a plate. The tender rotini is coated in a silky parmesan cream sauce, full of rich cheesy goodness, while the perfectly seasoned Cajun-spiced chicken brings a savory heat that makes every bite irresistible. Finished with a buttery garlic kick, this meal combines bold Southern flavor with creamy pasta indulgence.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough to impress guests at a dinner party. It’s hearty, filling, and layered with flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. The aroma of sizzling garlic butter and Cajun spices is sure to make your kitchen feel like the heart of the home.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

You’ll fall in love with how easily this dish comes together without skimping on flavor. The Cajun seasoning infuses the chicken with warmth and spice, perfectly balanced by the creamy parmesan sauce that clings to the rotini pasta. The garlic butter adds a fragrant richness that ties it all together into one unforgettable dish.

Can I Use Another Type of Pasta Instead of Rotini?

Absolutely. While rotini is great at holding onto the creamy sauce thanks to its spirals, you can substitute with penne, farfalle, or even fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose to make sure it remains al dente and ready to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

This dish comes alive thanks to a blend of creamy, cheesy, and bold flavors. Each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of taste and texture you’ll love.

  • Rotini pasta – The spirals catch every drop of creamy sauce.
  • Chicken breasts – Juicy and lean, the perfect canvas for Cajun seasoning.
  • Cajun seasoning – Adds a smoky, spicy kick to the chicken.
  • Butter – For that irresistible garlic-butter finish.
  • Garlic cloves – Fragrant and savory, they elevate the butter sauce.
  • Heavy cream – The base of the silky parmesan sauce.
  • Parmesan cheese – Nutty, salty, and creamy — a must for the sauce.
  • Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
  • Salt & black pepper – To season and balance the flavors.
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How To Make the Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side. Remove and let rest before slicing.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add the Parmesan

Whisk in grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy. Adjust consistency with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked rotini in the sauce until well-coated. Arrange sliced Cajun chicken on top and drizzle with any remaining garlic butter sauce from the pan. Serve hot and enjoy!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

It’s easy to make this dish flawlessly if you avoid a few common pitfalls. Don’t overcook the pasta — you want it just al dente so it holds up to the creamy sauce. Be careful not to burn the garlic when making the sauce as it can turn bitter quickly. Finally, don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken; the Cajun spice is what makes the flavor pop.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

This recipe feeds about 4 hearty portions, making it a fantastic choice for a family dinner or a small gathering. Serve it hot, right after tossing the pasta in the sauce for the creamiest texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Bread

Nothing beats warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce.

Green Salad

A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish beautifully.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or carrots bring freshness and color to your plate.

Sauteed Spinach

A quick sauté of spinach with a touch of garlic complements the Cajun spices perfectly.

Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

For a double-carb indulgence, these crispy potatoes are a savory treat.

Creamy Coleslaw

The cool, creamy crunch of coleslaw is a refreshing side to offset the heat of the chicken.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet and smoky grilled corn is a fantastic summer pairing.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this creamy parmesan rotini, you’ll definitely enjoy these other delicious pasta creations:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a creamy, flavor-packed delight.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts with plenty of sauce to spoon over pasta.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for hearty, rustic flavors.
One Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta when you’re craving something cozy and unique.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up even more or keep it mild? Did you try adding shrimp or swapping pasta?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated dinner inspirations on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite recipe!

Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken is proof that you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to create a meal that feels special. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining, it’s creamy, spicy, and utterly comforting. Try it tonight and see why it’s one of my most requested recipes!

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Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken


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  • Author: Nina Klatten
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken is a comforting, creamy pasta dinner featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken, garlic butter, and cheesy rotini. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining, this easy recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.


Ingredients

12 ounces rotini pasta

2 large chicken breasts

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

3 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt to taste

black pepper to taste


Instructions

1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water, and set aside.

2. Season and cook the chicken. Season both sides of the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and rest before slicing.

3. Make the garlic butter sauce. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add heavy cream and simmer gently.

4. Add the parmesan. Whisk in parmesan until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen sauce.

5. Combine and serve. Toss cooked rotini in the sauce. Plate and top with sliced chicken and drizzle with remaining sauce. Serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor.

Do not overcook garlic — it turns bitter quickly.

Add a splash of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if too thick.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 670
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 740mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 41g
  • Cholesterol: 155mg

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