Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

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When you crave comfort food with a little kick, this Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken delivers a perfect balance of richness and spice. Imagine tender rotini pasta coated in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, paired with juicy chicken bites seared to golden perfection and infused with bold Cajun seasoning and fragrant garlic butter. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up at the table and savor every bite.

This recipe is not only visually stunning with its contrast of creamy pasta and charred, spice-speckled chicken, but it also brings layers of flavor in every forkful. The Cajun seasoning adds warmth and depth, while the cream sauce brings a luxurious, mellow counterpoint. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this dish will earn you applause from anyone lucky enough to get a plate.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dish seamless and flavorful, a few essential tools are key:

• Large pot – Crucial for boiling your rotini evenly without clumping.
• Deep skillet or sauté pan – Perfect for searing chicken evenly and later tossing pasta in the sauce.
• Tongs – For flipping chicken pieces without losing that beautiful crust.
• Whisk – Helps create a lump-free, silky Parmesan sauce.
• Cutting board & sharp chef’s knife – Ensures even-sized chicken cubes for uniform cooking.

Each tool plays an important role in keeping your workflow smooth—ensuring tender pasta, perfectly cooked chicken, and a creamy sauce that clings to every spiral of rotini.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

• Rotini pasta – The spiral shape holds onto the creamy Parmesan sauce, making every bite flavorful.
• Chicken breast – Lean and tender, perfect for soaking up the Cajun garlic butter seasoning.
• Cajun seasoning – Adds a smoky, spicy depth to the chicken.
• Butter – The base for the garlic butter, adding richness and flavor.
• Fresh garlic – Infuses the butter with aromatic warmth.
• Heavy cream – Creates a luscious, smooth sauce.
• Parmesan cheese – The star of the sauce, giving it a nutty, salty punch.
• Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken to a golden crust.
• Fresh parsley – Adds a pop of color and fresh, herby brightness.
• Salt & black pepper – Enhances the flavors and balances the richness.

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

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken breast dry and cut into bite-sized cubes. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear chicken on all sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and whisk gently. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cook the Rotini

While making the sauce, boil rotini in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet with sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Top with the seared chicken and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

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

Serve this dish immediately for the best flavor and texture, as the sauce is at its creamiest when fresh from the stove. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread is a fantastic companion to soak up any extra sauce.

To store, let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s silkiness. Freezing is not recommended, as cream-based sauces can separate once thawed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning?

It has a moderate kick, but you can adjust the heat by using less seasoning or opting for a mild Cajun blend.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine will work—just choose a shape that holds the sauce well.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can be used, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, but cook the pasta just before serving to keep it fresh.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly, but pre-grated can work in a pinch—just avoid powdered varieties.

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Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If you love this Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll definitely enjoy these other flavor-packed pasta recipes from Life With Olivia:

• Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta – A smoky, savory dish with a bold Cajun kick.
• One-Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini – Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor.
• Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta – A sweet-heat twist on creamy chicken pasta.
• One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese – The ultimate mash-up of comfort food favorites.
• One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta – Perfect for steak lovers who adore a cheesy kick.

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I’d love to know how your version turned out! Did you make it extra spicy? Did you try it with shrimp or steak instead of chicken? Share your tweaks in the comments so we can inspire each other’s kitchens.

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