Description
If you’re craving a bold, creamy, and satisfying pasta dinner, this **Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken** will hit the spot. Tender rotini spirals are smothered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce and topped with juicy, spice-rubbed chicken that’s seared to perfection in garlic butter. It's an easy dinner idea that feels fancy, delivers serious flavor, and comes together in under 40 minutes. This recipe is a perfect option for anyone searching for quick dinner ideas, creamy pasta recipes, or spicy chicken comfort food. Whether you're looking for an easy recipe, weeknight dinner inspiration, or an impressive dish for guests, this creamy Cajun chicken pasta delivers on all fronts.
Ingredients
10 oz rotini pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
3 cloves garlic minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional
½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, pat chicken dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil and 1½ tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and rest.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Lower heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream. Simmer gently.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Slice the rested chicken into strips.
8. Add cooked rotini to the skillet and toss in the creamy sauce.
9. Stir in the sliced Cajun chicken. Adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth and creamy sauce—pre-shredded versions may cause clumps.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Cajun seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for a veggie boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, Cajun chicken, quick dinner, easy recipe, rotini pasta, Parmesan sauce, garlic butter chicken, food ideas