Creamy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor, this Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a fiery twist. Imagine perfectly cooked rotini pasta, tossed in a smooth parmesan cream sauce, paired with tender chunks of cajun-seasoned chicken seared to golden perfection. This dish brings the heat and the heartiness—ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

What makes this dish truly special is the contrast: rich and creamy rotini playing against juicy, spice-kissed chicken. The rotini clings to the parmesan sauce like it was made for it, while the Cajun seasoning adds that smoky kick you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re craving a cozy bowl or looking to impress, this meal checks all the boxes.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rotini is the star for a reason. Its spiral shape holds onto every bit of sauce, giving you a perfect bite every time. You could swap it for penne or fusilli in a pinch, but rotini really maximizes the creamy coating. If you’re feeling adventurous, try tri-color rotini for a fun presentation twist.

Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

Rotini Pasta – The pasta shape matters here. Rotini holds onto sauce beautifully, giving every bite maximum flavor.
Chicken Breast or Thighs – Boneless and skinless, diced into chunks. Thighs offer more richness, but breasts work great too.
Cajun Seasoning – Brings smoky heat to the chicken. Adjust to taste if you prefer mild over spicy.
Garlic Butter – Melted butter combined with minced garlic enhances the Cajun flavor and adds depth.
Heavy Cream – Forms the base of the creamy sauce.
Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated is best for melting into the sauce smoothly.
Cream Cheese (Optional) – For extra creaminess and tang.
Parsley or Italian Herb Blend – For garnish and an herbal pop to finish.
Olive Oil – To sear the chicken to a perfect golden crust.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken chunks generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Rotini

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat and add butter and minced garlic. Let it sizzle gently for a minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the cream cheese (if using). Let it simmer for a few minutes, then gradually add the parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Add the cooked rotini into the sauce and toss to coat every spiral in that creamy goodness. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Chicken and Herbs

Top the pasta with the Cajun garlic butter chicken and sprinkle with parsley or Italian herbs. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

This dish is best served fresh off the stove when the sauce is at its creamiest and the chicken is still sizzling. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a full meal. If you’re feeding a crowd, you can easily double the batch without compromising texture or flavor.

To store, let the pasta cool completely, then place in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning?

It depends on the brand, but most Cajun seasonings have a moderate heat. Start light if you’re spice-sensitive and add more to taste.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but freshly seared chicken delivers better flavor and texture. If using pre-cooked, toss it in the Cajun butter sauce for added flavor before combining with pasta.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can cook the pasta and chicken separately and store them in the fridge. Reheat everything together with a splash of cream when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. Add a bit more parmesan or cream cheese for body.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It’s not ideal. The cream-based sauce can break when frozen and reheated. For best results, enjoy fresh or within a few days of refrigeration.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll definitely want to try more hearty and bold pasta favorites from the blog:

Explore even more flavor-packed dinners and comfort food classics by following my daily updates on Pinterest: Life with Nina on Pinterest.

📌 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 make it extra spicy? Add veggies? Go heavy on the cheese?

I love seeing your twists on these dishes. Drop your tips or questions below—let’s keep sharing delicious inspiration.

Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Cajun

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and spicy twist on creamy pasta night—this Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken features tender Cajun-spiced chicken over rotini noodles coated in a velvety parmesan sauce. It’s the kind of cozy dinner that satisfies every craving in one bite.

Instructions

1. Season the chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.

3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook rotini until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).

5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the cream cheese if using. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

6. Gradually add the grated parmesan, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy.

7. Add the cooked rotini to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

8. Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing gently with the pasta.

9. Garnish with parsley or Italian herbs. Serve hot.

Notes

Let the cream cheese fully melt before adding parmesan to prevent a grainy sauce.

Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.

Add a splash of pasta water gradually—this helps bind the sauce to the noodles perfectly.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 640
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 630mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: pasta, parmesan, cajun chicken, creamy, garlic butter