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.
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 oz cream cheese (optional)
2 tbsp chopped parsley or Italian herb blend
Salt to taste
2 tbsp reserved pasta water (if needed)
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