Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken is a bold and comforting dish that brings together spicy, savory, and creamy flavors in a single skillet. With every bite of the velvety rotini coated in a rich parmesan sauce and topped with golden, perfectly seasoned chicken, you’ll feel like you’re indulging in something made for a restaurant menu.

What makes this recipe such a winner is how quickly it comes together without compromising on flavor. The Cajun spices add warmth and depth to the juicy chicken, while the parmesan cream sauce mellows everything out with cheesy goodness. It’s a dinner that feels fancy, but is really just a delicious weeknight go-to.

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

This dish is pure weeknight magic. It balances heat and cream in a way that hits all the comfort food notes without being too heavy. It’s perfect for anyone who loves pasta but wants to elevate it with bold seasoning and buttery, garlicky richness.

You’ll love how adaptable it is too—you can swap in shrimp, sausage, or even tofu, and the creamy Cajun sauce will still bring it all together. It’s also a hit with both kids and adults, making it a perfect family meal. Add a little crusty bread or a crisp salad and you’ve got yourself a crowd-pleasing dinner.

What Type of Pasta Works Best?

Rotini is the star here because its spirals grab onto the sauce in all the right ways, giving you a luscious bite every time. But if you don’t have rotini, don’t worry—penne, fusilli, or even farfalle will do the trick. The key is to use a pasta that has grooves or curves, so it holds onto that creamy parmesan sauce without letting it slip away.

Avoid spaghetti or fettuccine for this one, as they tend to slide around in the sauce rather than soak it up. This dish thrives when the sauce clings to every twist and curl of your pasta.

Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

Let’s talk about the key ingredients that bring this dish to life. Each one has a purpose, and when they come together, the result is creamy, spicy, savory comfort food at its finest.

Rotini pasta
Chicken breast
Cajun seasoning
Salted butter
Fresh garlic
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Paprika
Salt and pepper

Rotini pasta is ideal for holding onto creamy sauces thanks to its corkscrew shape.
Chicken breast gives the dish lean protein while soaking up all the bold flavors of the Cajun butter and garlic.
Cajun seasoning is the flavor powerhouse here, lending a smoky heat that contrasts beautifully with the cream.
Salted butter helps create a luscious base for the garlic and seasoning to bloom in.
Fresh garlic adds bite and a rich aroma that builds depth into the sauce.
Heavy cream is what transforms the dish into something decadent, forming the silky body of the sauce.
Parmesan cheese adds nutty, salty sharpness that makes the cream sauce addictive.
Olive oil is used for searing the chicken to golden perfection while locking in moisture.
Paprika brings a subtle sweetness and color that complements the Cajun spice.
Salt and pepper round everything out, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them.

Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken 2

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin cutlets or bite-sized strips. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet, then sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente. Drain, but reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add more butter and minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Then pour in the heavy cream, reduce the heat, and let it simmer gently.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Combine

Slowly stir in the parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the cream. Add the cooked pasta and toss it in the sauce, loosening it with reserved pasta water if needed. Add the chicken back in and let everything mingle for a few more minutes.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Plate the pasta, making sure to spoon over any extra sauce and top with sliced chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving and Storing Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

This creamy parmesan rotini is best served hot and fresh, right out of the skillet. The sauce is at its most velvety when it hasn’t sat too long, so once the chicken is nestled into the cheesy rotini, it’s go time. If you want to add a finishing touch, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a little extra parmesan never hurts.

This recipe makes enough to feed four hungry people, or even six if served with hearty sides. It’s filling and satisfying, especially when paired with something crisp or fresh.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce, and warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave. Avoid high heat, which can separate the sauce.

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

Garlic Bread with Herbs

The richness of the pasta begs for a warm, crusty slice of garlic bread to soak up the sauce.

Roasted Broccoli and Carrots

A great way to add some balance and color to your plate. The slight char from roasting pairs nicely with the creamy sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, parmesan, and crunchy croutons bring a refreshing contrast to the velvety pasta.

Southern Cornbread Poppers

Sweet, savory, and bite-sized, these little cornbread treats are a fun way to add variety to the table.

Creamy Garlic Orzo with Lemon Chicken Meatballs

Double down on the comfort factor by serving this dish alongside small bowls of complementary creamy orzo.

Baked Potatoes in Foil with Parmesan Ranch Sauce

A potato side with bold flavor can hold its own next to the Cajun chicken and creamy pasta.

Easy Summer Peach Watermelon Salad

Light and juicy with a hint of sweetness, this salad gives a fresh lift to the hearty dish.

Mushroom Mozzarella Bake

If you’re feeding a crowd or want extra decadence, this bake is cozy and full of umami goodness.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this creamy Cajun chicken rotini has you hooked on bold, comforting flavors, there are plenty more dishes to explore that keep the cozy vibe going. Try one of these next:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe if you’re craving a savory ground beef pasta dish.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a quick, one-pan comfort meal.
[Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Past