Lorenzo Devereaux
Golden-seared Cajun-spiced chicken laid over a bed of velvety Parmesan rotini – this is comfort food with a kick. The creamy sauce clings to every spiral of pasta, while the juicy chicken brings smoky heat and savory depth. It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but comes together easily, making it perfect for both weeknights and weekend treats.
Imagine the aroma of garlic butter sizzling in the pan, mingling with Cajun spices as the chicken gets its crispy golden crust. Then picture twirling forkfuls of tender rotini coated in a rich Parmesan cream, each bite delivering a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness from chopped herbs. This dish isn’t just a meal – it’s a cozy, flavor-packed experience.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
While this recipe stars rotini, its spiral shape isn’t just for looks. Those curves are perfect for catching every bit of that creamy Parmesan sauce. If rotini isn’t on hand, fusilli or penne are great alternatives, but the key is a pasta shape with ridges or twists for maximum flavor hold.
Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken
- Rotini Pasta – The perfect spiral shape for holding onto creamy sauce.
- Chicken Breasts – Lean, tender, and ideal for soaking up Cajun seasoning.
- Cajun Seasoning – Brings smoky, spicy flavor to contrast the creaminess.
- Garlic – Fresh minced cloves give the butter sauce its signature aroma.
- Butter – Creates a luscious base for both cooking and flavor.
- Heavy Cream – The backbone of the velvety Parmesan sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds nutty, salty richness.
- Fresh Parsley – Brightens the dish with color and herbal freshness.
- Olive Oil – Helps sear the chicken to perfection.
- Salt & Pepper – Balances and enhances every flavor.
How To Make the Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet used for chicken, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in a pinch of Cajun seasoning for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add drained rotini directly into the sauce, tossing to coat every spiral. Taste and season with additional salt or pepper if desired.
Step 6: Slice and Serve Chicken
Slice the rested chicken and arrange over the creamy rotini. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Serving and Storing Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken
Serve this dish hot right after cooking, when the sauce is silky and the chicken is juicy. The creamy Parmesan coating will cling beautifully to the rotini, and the Cajun butter will be at peak flavor.
To store, allow the pasta and chicken to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
What to Serve With Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Bread with Herb Butter
Perfect for soaking up every drop of creamy sauce.
Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
Crisp-tender veggies that mirror the dish’s cheesy notes.
Fresh Garden Salad
A light and refreshing side to balance the richness.
Steamed Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Adds brightness and a touch of elegance.
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
A crunchy, healthier contrast to the creamy pasta.
Caesar Salad
Bold, tangy dressing pairs well with Cajun spice.
Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes
Nutty, sweet flavors that complement the savory pasta.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting pasta creations:
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a romantic, creamy delight.
• Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta when you’re craving classic, garlicky goodness.
• One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for a smoky, hearty one-pan meal.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan if you love this Cajun twist but want a different pasta shape.
• Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for comfort food in its cheesiest form.
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Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large pot
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water more as needed
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice optional
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high and sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Cook rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2–3/4 cup pasta water and drain.
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently 2 minutes. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth; loosen with reserved pasta water until silky.
- Toss rotini in the sauce; season to taste. Stir in parsley and optional lemon juice.
- Slice chicken and serve over creamy rotini. Spoon on extra sauce and enjoy hot.