When comfort food meets bold flavor, you get something like this Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken. It’s a dish that looks restaurant-worthy but comes together easily in your own kitchen. Perfectly seasoned chicken sizzles in garlicky butter and pairs with rotini pasta swirled in a silky Parmesan cream sauce. The Cajun spices add a playful kick, balanced beautifully by the richness of the cheese.

This pasta dinner is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a chef without demanding hours in the kitchen. It’s versatile enough for weeknight meals, yet impressive enough to serve guests. Whether you’re cooking for your family or simply treating yourself, this dish hits all the right notes—creamy, spicy, savory, and satisfying to the very last bite.

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

From the first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe earns rave reviews. The contrast of the creamy Parmesan sauce with the spice-kissed Cajun chicken creates a harmony of textures and flavors. The rotini, with its spiraled shape, is the perfect pasta to cling to all that velvety sauce, making every mouthful rich and flavorful. And let’s not forget the garlic butter—a simple touch that takes this chicken to the next level.

You’ll love this dish for how quickly it comes together, how indulgent it tastes, and how well it reheats. It’s the kind of meal that can become a regular favorite in your rotation with minimal effort but maximum reward.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken?

Rotini is ideal here because its tight spirals capture the sauce in every crevice, giving you more creamy Parmesan goodness in every bite. However, if you don’t have rotini on hand, other short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle can work well. The important thing is to choose a shape with ridges or twists that can hold onto the sauce. Avoid smooth noodles like spaghetti, which won’t carry the creamy texture as effectively.

Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

This recipe brings together layers of rich and spicy flavor, and each ingredient plays a key role in building that experience. From the bold Cajun seasoning to the creamy Parmesan base, you won’t want to skip a single element.

Rotini pasta
Chicken breasts
Cajun seasoning
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil
Unsalted butter
Garlic cloves
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley

Rotini pasta is perfect for catching and holding onto that creamy Parmesan sauce. Chicken breasts offer a lean protein that turns juicy and flavorful when seared with Cajun spices. Cajun seasoning adds heat and depth, while salt and black pepper balance the flavors. A mix of olive oil and unsalted butter ensures golden browning and a silky garlic butter base. Garlic cloves bring fragrance and bite, while heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create the luscious, rich sauce. Italian seasoning adds a hint of herbaceous flavor, and fresh parsley brightens everything at the end.

Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken 2

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. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add unsalted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes before adding Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning and a bit of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked rotini to the sauce and toss to coat well. Slice the chicken and place on top or mix in. Let everything warm through for a minute or two.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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

This creamy pasta dish is best served hot and fresh from the skillet. The sauce clings beautifully to the rotini right after cooking, and the Cajun garlic butter chicken adds a savory, slightly spicy contrast that elevates the whole meal. Serve it family-style or plated individually, and don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra grating of Parmesan just before serving.

This recipe comfortably feeds 4 people, making it great for a cozy dinner or small gathering. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to its original silkiness.

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

Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of that creamy Parmesan sauce.

Roasted Asparagus

The crisp-tender texture and earthy flavor of roasted asparagus offer a nice contrast to the rich pasta.

Mixed Green Salad

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness and brings a refreshing crunch to the meal.

Steamed Broccoli

This simple veggie side adds color and nutrients, and it pairs well with the Cajun spices in the chicken.

Parmesan Zucchini Chips

Crispy and cheesy, these make a great low-carb snack or side that echoes the cheesy goodness of the pasta.

Creamed Spinach

For extra indulgence, creamy spinach matches the texture and depth of the main dish.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

Serve a smaller portion of this pasta with something like a herby chicken meatball bowl on the side for a double protein plate.

Classic Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil make a bright and fresh starter that awakens the palate before diving into creamy pasta.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re into creamy comfort food with a punch of flavor, you’ll love diving into more pasta dishes that put bold spins on classics:

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a veggie-rich twist with layers of flavor.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta if you’re craving smoky heat with creamy indulgence.
One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for a weeknight wonder with minimal cleanup.
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna when you want seafood layered with creamy elegance.
Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms for a heartier alternative with vegetables built in.

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 extra heavy on the Cajun seasoning or mellow it down? Try it with shrimp instead of chicken? I’d love to hear the variations you come up with.

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Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken is more than just a dinner—it’s a comfort dish that gives you layers of bold, creamy, and savory flavor in one bite. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a favorite for how effortlessly impressive it is. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself midweek, this dish delivers every time.