When a meal brings bold flavor and rich comfort in one bite, you know you’ve found a keeper. This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta is one of those recipes you’ll want to put on repeat. Tender, juicy chicken is pan-seared in a buttery Cajun garlic blend until golden, while rotini pasta is smothered in a creamy Parmesan sauce that hugs every twist.

Perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests, this dish hits every craving—savory, spicy, creamy, and satisfying. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right kick, balanced beautifully by the smooth richness of the Parmesan sauce. Paired with the fun texture of twisted pasta and golden bites of seasoned chicken, this dinner promises more than just flavor. It’s an experience.

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

Big on Flavor: The Cajun spice blend and garlic butter infuse the chicken with bold, smoky heat.
Creamy & Comforting: The Parmesan sauce is velvety smooth and clings perfectly to every pasta spiral.
Quick Yet Impressive: With basic pantry ingredients and simple steps, it comes together in about 30 minutes.
Versatile: Use chicken thighs or breasts, swap rotini for your favorite pasta shape, or even add veggies like spinach or roasted peppers.
Crowd Favorite: Whether you’re feeding the family or serving guests, it never fails to impress.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To keep things running smoothly in the kitchen, having the right tools at hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Frying Pan: Perfect for searing the chicken to get that beautiful golden crust and lock in the flavor.
Large Pot: For boiling your pasta to a perfect al dente texture without crowding.
Strainer or Colander: Helps drain the pasta efficiently without losing any precious spirals.
Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth and lump-free Parmesan sauce.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For cubing the chicken and prepping ingredients quickly and cleanly.

Each of these tools plays a role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor, so don’t skip them!

Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The base of the dish, delivering protein and soaking up all that spicy, buttery flavor.
Rotini Pasta: Twisted pasta holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully for a perfect bite every time.
Heavy Cream: Gives the Parmesan sauce its luscious, velvety texture.
Fresh Garlic: Adds depth and savory warmth, essential for that signature garlic butter.
Butter: Richness that enhances the flavor of both the chicken and the sauce.
Cajun Seasoning: A bold blend of spices that brings heat, smokiness, and a Southern twist.
Parmesan Cheese: The creamy, salty finish to your pasta that ties everything together.
Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken to golden perfection.
Salt and Pepper: To balance and boost overall flavor.

How To Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Generously coat chicken cubes with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Stir in grated Parmesan and continue to whisk until melted. Add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle extra Parmesan and chopped parsley on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta

Serving: This dish shines as a main course and pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Storing: Let leftovers cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creamy texture.

Freezing Tip: You can freeze the chicken and pasta separately for better texture upon reheating. Thaw overnight and warm gently before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work well with this creamy sauce.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a moderate heat from the Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust the spice by reducing or increasing the amount to suit your preference.

Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?

You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich. A mix of milk and a bit of cream cheese or flour can help thicken it.

What veggies can I add?

Great add-ins include spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning is free from additives, and it can be made gluten-free easily.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta, you might enjoy these other flavor-packed dinners too:

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for a sweet-spicy twist.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce for a crispy and creamy dream.
One Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta if you’re into bold smoky flavor.
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for bite-sized goodness.
One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta for a saucy southern-style dish.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use chicken thighs or go for rotisserie shortcuts? Try any add-ins like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes?

I love hearing how others make these dishes their own. Got questions? Drop them below—let’s cook smarter together!