Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

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There’s something magical about a pasta dish that can instantly transport you to comfort-food heaven. Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken is that dish — rich, flavorful, and layered with a balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and bold Cajun spice. Each forkful brings together tender bites of chicken coated in a buttery garlic sauce, tangled with perfectly cooked rotini pasta in a silky Parmesan cream.

This recipe is a weeknight savior that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant. It’s perfect for when you want something indulgent but still easy enough to make without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. The Cajun seasoning adds a gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the richness of the sauce, creating a meal that feels both hearty and exciting.

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

You get the best of both worlds — pasta and chicken — in one pan. The creamy Parmesan sauce clings to every spiral of rotini, ensuring flavor in each bite. The Cajun spice gives the chicken a golden crust and smoky warmth, making it stand out from the usual cream-based pasta dishes. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve for a casual family dinner or to impress guests.

What Type of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

While rotini is the star here, holding the sauce beautifully in its spirals, you could easily swap it out for other short pastas like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. The key is choosing a pasta shape with ridges or curves to trap the creamy sauce and bits of seasoning. If you’re in the mood to experiment, fresh homemade pasta can make the dish even more decadent.

Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

A great dish starts with fresh, flavorful ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll want to focus on bold spices, creamy dairy, and quality pasta. Each component plays a role in creating the luscious texture and layered flavor profile that makes this pasta so irresistible.

• Rotini pasta — The spirals catch and hold onto the creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Chicken breast — Lean, tender protein that soaks up the Cajun spices beautifully.
• Cajun seasoning — Brings smoky heat and depth to the chicken.
• Butter — Adds richness to the garlic sauce.
• Garlic cloves — Fresh garlic infuses the butter and cream with savory aroma.
• Heavy cream — Creates the silky, luxurious base for the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese — Adds nutty, salty flavor that balances the creaminess.
• Olive oil — Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
• Salt — Enhances every flavor in the dish.
• Black pepper — Adds a subtle bite to the cream sauce.

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. Add the rotini and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry, then rub them generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on each side for 5-6 minutes until cooked through and golden. Transfer to a plate and slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked rotini to the sauce, tossing until fully coated. Nestle the sliced Cajun chicken on top, spooning extra sauce over. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

Serving and Storing Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

This hearty pasta dish is best served hot and fresh, when the sauce is at its creamiest and the chicken still tender. It serves about 4 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering with friends. Pair it with a crisp green salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, and warm gently on the stove over low heat. Avoid microwaving for too long to keep the chicken from drying out.

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

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is a classic side that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with tangy dressing and crunchy croutons balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

Seasonal roasted veggies, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, bring a fresh and colorful touch.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add a bright, summery vibe.

Steamed Broccoli

Lightly steamed broccoli offers a simple, healthy contrast to the creamy, cheesy main dish.

Bruschetta

Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil makes for a flavorful starter.

Creamed Spinach

For those who love rich sides, creamed spinach pairs beautifully with the Cajun chicken flavors.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a smoky and creamy pasta experience.
• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta if you’re craving another Cajun-inspired comfort dish.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a seafood twist with layers of indulgence.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for another rich, buttery pasta variation.
• Rattlesnake Pasta for a spicy, creamy combination you can’t resist.

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 go heavy on the Cajun spice or keep it mild? Did you sneak in extra garlic like I do sometimes?

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

Explore beautifully curated pasta dishes and more on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next dinner favorite!

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken is more than just another pasta dish — it’s a flavor-packed comfort meal that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and satisfying Cajun kick, it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner table.

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