Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta is that kind of dinner that instantly makes the room smell like comfort and indulgence. Golden-seared chicken chunks kissed with smoky Cajun heat and buttery garlic notes—paired with a cheesy, rich rotini pasta swirled in creamy parmesan sauce. It’s bold, it’s velvety, and it checks all the boxes for a soul-satisfying meal.

Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings, this dish brings Southern-inspired warmth and flavor straight to your plate. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping leftovers for the week, the flavors only deepen and get better with time. One bite and you’ll be craving this on your regular rotation.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting this deliciousness on your table doesn’t require fancy gadgets, but having the right tools makes all the difference:

• Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: This is a must for perfectly searing the chicken. It locks in moisture and builds that caramelized edge you crave.
• Medium Saucepan: You’ll need this for making the creamy parmesan pasta sauce separately without burning the cheese.
• Large Pot: Essential for boiling the rotini pasta until perfectly al dente.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Helpful for flipping and handling the chicken evenly while letting excess oil drain.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for stirring the sauce smoothly so you don’t scratch your pans or break your noodles.

With just a few quality tools, this dish comes together easily, giving you restaurant-level taste without the kitchen chaos.

---

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

Let’s talk about the flavor-packed building blocks of this crave-worthy meal:

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: These are your protein stars—juicy, tender, and ideal for soaking in all that Cajun butter magic.
• Rotini Pasta: The twisted shape holds onto the creamy parmesan sauce beautifully, making every bite velvety and satisfying.
• Heavy Cream: This forms the rich base of your parmesan sauce and gives it that silky restaurant-style finish.
• Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated): The main cheesy hero of the sauce—adds saltiness, depth, and creamy texture.
• Butter: Carries the garlic and Cajun flavors into every crevice of the chicken and pasta.
• Garlic (Minced): Essential for aromatic depth and that signature savory kick.
• Cajun Seasoning: Brings smoky heat, bold spices, and a Southern soul to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps the chicken sear evenly without sticking, while adding richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Just enough to enhance all the core flavors.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): A pop of green for garnish and freshness.

---

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken with Cajun Goodness

Season your chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden-brown on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Boil and Prep the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving a bit of pasta water for later.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In your saucepan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Let it sizzle for a minute before pouring in the heavy cream. Stir continuously on medium-low heat, then gradually whisk in the freshly grated parmesan until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat every twist with the cheesy goodness. If it gets too thick, splash in a little pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Plate the creamy pasta, then top generously with the Cajun garlic butter chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley if you like, and serve hot.

---

Best Ways to Serve and Store This Dish

This dish is a feast on its own, but if you want to elevate the experience, serve it with warm garlic bread or a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette. The creaminess of the pasta pairs well with something light and crisp on the side.

For leftovers (if you even have any!), store everything in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. You can also freeze the pasta and chicken separately for up to a month—though fresh is always best.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of Cajun seasoning?

You can make a quick DIY blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle work great too—anything that can grip the sauce well.

Is this recipe spicy?

Cajun seasoning adds a mild kick, but you can control the heat level. Use less seasoning or choose a low-sodium, mild blend.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. Opt for vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, you can sear the chicken and make the sauce a day ahead. Just reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Avoid overcooking! Searing the chicken quickly on high heat locks in moisture. Let it rest after cooking to keep it tender.

---

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta, here are a few more recipes that bring bold flavors to your weeknight dinner table:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for a milder, ultra-creamy spin.
• Sweet & Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta if you’re craving a hint of sweetness with heat.
• One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese for a cheesy, nostalgic twist on a classic.
• Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta to add a little green to your comfort bowl.
• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for a sizzling skillet full of buttery charm.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And if you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you go all-in on the spice or mellow it out for the kids? Try a different pasta shape?

Your feedback and twists make these dishes even better—feel free to drop a comment or question. Let’s keep cooking better, together.

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?