There’s something irresistible about the pairing of velvety, cheesy pasta and golden, seasoned chicken. This Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken is comfort food at its finest—a recipe that blends the rich creaminess of a Parmesan sauce with the smoky kick of Cajun spices. The juicy, pan-seared chicken cubes are kissed with garlic butter, creating a flavor combination that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

Imagine fork-twirls of perfectly cooked rotini, each spiral catching pools of silky Parmesan sauce, with tender bites of Cajun-spiced chicken adding bursts of heat and savor. It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality dish but is easily made in your own kitchen.

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

Bold flavors: Creamy, cheesy pasta balanced with zesty Cajun spice and buttery garlic.
Quick to make: Perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste.
Comfort on a plate: A cozy, hearty meal that satisfies every craving.
Versatile: Swap in your favorite pasta shape or adjust spice levels to taste.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Large skillet: Essential for searing the chicken evenly and creating a flavorful garlic butter base.
Medium saucepan: For cooking the rotini and making the Parmesan sauce.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.
Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken pieces without losing their crispy edges.
Colander: To drain pasta efficiently while keeping it al dente.

Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

Rotini pasta
Chicken breast
Cajun seasoning
Garlic cloves
Butter
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Salt & pepper
Parsley

How To Make the Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

Season & Prep the Chicken – Pat chicken dry, cut into cubes, and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Chicken – Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Pasta – Boil rotini until al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Make the Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add cream, and stir in Parmesan. Adjust with pasta water.
Combine & Serve – Toss pasta in sauce, top with chicken, and garnish with parsley.

Serving & Storing This Recipe

Serve hot with garlic bread or salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta? Yes—penne, fettuccine, or bowtie work well.

Can I make it less spicy? Reduce Cajun seasoning or use a mild blend.

Can I use milk instead of cream? Yes, but the sauce will be thinner.

How do I prevent dry chicken? Avoid overcooking—remove from heat when no longer pink inside.

Can I make this ahead? Yes, store pasta and chicken separately.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

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Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

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Author: Kate Walton
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick weeknight dinner featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken, rotini in a silky Parmesan cream sauce, and rich garlic butter. Perfect for fans of creamy Parmesan rotini, Cajun chicken pasta, and garlic butter chicken.

Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and toss with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook rotini until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.

3. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 5-7 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through; transfer to a plate.

4. Reduce heat to medium; add remaining 2 tbsp butter and garlic. Saute 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream; simmer 2 minutes. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth; loosen with splashes of pasta water as needed.

6. Stir in lemon juice if using; taste and adjust salt and pepper.

7. Toss rotini with the sauce; return chicken and any juices. Stir to coat.

8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.