Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta

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When you need a dinner that’s bold, buttery, and bursting with flavor, this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta checks every box. Think golden, seared chicken bites coated in spicy Cajun seasoning, paired with ultra-creamy rotini pasta drenched in Parmesan and herb-flecked cheese sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is easy enough to whip up on a weeknight.

This dish brings together smoky Southern spices with the creamy comfort of pasta, all tied together with garlic butter richness. Whether you’re cooking for your family or want to impress guests, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant. One bite in, and this recipe might just earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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What Makes the Best Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken?

It’s all about balance: spicy heat, buttery depth, and garlic-forward flavor. A good Cajun seasoning blend should bring that kick without overpowering the dish. Fresh garlic and real butter make the base, while high-heat searing locks in flavor on the chicken. Using boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh works great—cut into bite-size chunks so they sear quickly and stay juicy.

The magic really happens when those juicy Cajun chicken bites meet a pan sauce made with melted Parmesan and just enough cream to coat each pasta twist. The pasta absorbs that garlic-parmesan sauce beautifully.

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Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta

• Chicken Breast or Thighs – The protein base of the dish; juicy and tender when seared properly.
• Cajun Seasoning – The star of the spice show, bringing smoky heat and color.
• Butter – Richness that rounds out the bold spices and carries the garlic flavor.
• Fresh Garlic – Infuses deep savory flavor that makes the butter pop.
• Rotini Pasta (Twisted Pasta) – Perfect for catching every bit of creamy sauce in its spirals.
• Heavy Cream – The foundation of the pasta’s silky, rich texture.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan – Salty, nutty, and melts into the sauce like a dream.
• Parsley or Chives (optional) – For a fresh, herbaceous finish.

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How To Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-size chunks and seasoning generously with Cajun spice. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of butter. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Combine

Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet and toss everything together to coat.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives, and maybe a little more Cajun seasoning on top for a bold finish. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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Serving and Storing This Creamy Cajun Pasta

Serve this dish hot and fresh, right out of the skillet for the best flavor and texture. It pairs perfectly with a light green salad or roasted veggies. If you’re feeding a crowd, it doubles beautifully with minimal extra effort.

To store leftovers, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life, and warm gently over low heat. The pasta will absorb some sauce, so a little extra liquid helps revive its creaminess.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. If you’re heat-sensitive, look for a mild blend or reduce the amount used.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine work just as well.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. A bit of cream cheese can help thicken if needed.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best fresh. If prepping ahead, cook everything separately and store. Combine and heat with a bit of cream right before serving.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It can be, but cream-based sauces sometimes separate when frozen. If you freeze it, reheat gently while stirring to smooth out the texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables or a plant-based protein instead.

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Want More Chicken and Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta, check out these other creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dishes from the blog:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a smooth, cheese-forward spin.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine if you love a citrusy zing.
• One Skillet Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta to heat things up with sticky-sweet heat.
• Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites for ultimate comfort food nostalgia.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan if you’re craving creamy richness with a twist.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 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 spicier or add extra Parmesan? Did you use thighs or breasts?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Got questions? Ask away—I’m always happy to help.

Looking for even more comfort food inspiration? Visit my Pinterest page where I post daily recipes from Life with Nina.

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