Description
Spicy, creamy, and completely irresistible — this Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken is your new favorite comfort food. Juicy chicken bites, seasoned with smoky Cajun spices and glazed in garlic butter, rest on a bed of rotini coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Whether you’re hunting for easy dinner ideas, quick weeknight meals, or an impressive dinner recipe, this one ticks all the boxes. It’s the perfect combo of indulgent and satisfying — a go-to for food lovers craving a bold, creamy bite.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
12 oz rotini pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk warmed
0.5 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Place the chicken in a bowl with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well and marinate for at least 15–30 minutes.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, then return chicken to coat in garlic butter.
5. In a separate saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes. Slowly add warm milk, whisking continuously.
6. Stir in cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until smooth and thick.
7. Add drained rotini to the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat all pasta evenly.
8. Serve pasta topped with Cajun garlic butter chicken. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth, creamy sauce.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing chicken—do it in batches.
Warm milk and cream prevent the sauce from curdling or separating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, cajun chicken, easy dinner, comfort food