Golden-crusted chicken kissed with smoky Cajun spice meets buttery garlic sauce and a swirl of creamy parmesan pasta—this is comfort food that doesn’t mess around. If you’re looking for a quick dinner idea that delivers serious flavor with minimal effort, you’re in the right place.

This dish brings together bold Southern flair and classic Italian comfort. The chicken is juicy and spiced just right, the garlic butter sauce adds irresistible richness, and the twisted pasta (hello, rotini!) clings to every creamy, cheesy bit. It’s the kind of meal you make once and crave weekly.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best with Cajun Chicken?

Rotini is a favorite here because its spirals grab onto the creamy parmesan sauce like a dream. But you could swap it for penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine—anything that holds onto sauce well. Just avoid thin pastas like angel hair; they don’t quite do the dish justice.

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

Chicken Breast
Sliced into bite-sized chunks and generously seasoned with Cajun spice, this is the protein star of the dish.

Cajun Seasoning
Smoky, spicy, and deeply savory—this blend transforms the chicken with just a few shakes.

Butter
Used to sear the chicken and create a base for the garlic sauce. Go for unsalted so you can control the saltiness.

Fresh Garlic
Minced and sautéed in butter for that aromatic kick of flavor that makes this dish so crave-worthy.

Heavy Cream
Creates the luscious base of the pasta sauce, thick and rich enough to coat every twist of rotini.

Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated is best here. It melts into the sauce, adding nutty, salty depth.

Rotini Pasta
This twisted pasta shape is ideal for grabbing onto all that sauce and making every bite count.

Parsley and Lemon Zest
Optional but highly recommended for garnish. They brighten and balance the richness.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

In a bowl, toss the diced chicken breast with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet you used for the chicken, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Stir in the Parmesan

Add the grated parmesan cheese to the simmering cream and stir until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Toss in Pasta and Chicken

Add the drained rotini to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently fold everything together until heated through.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon zest for brightness.

Serving and Storing Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta

Serve this dish immediately while the pasta is warm and creamy and the chicken is juicy and tender. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies on the side.

For storing, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and add even more richness to the dish. Just adjust the cook time to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Is this dish very spicy?

The Cajun seasoning gives it a flavorful kick, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can always adjust the amount to suit your spice level.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If making ahead, store the pasta and chicken separately and combine when reheating to keep the textures just right.

What other cheeses can I use?

If you don’t have parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago can offer a similar salty, nutty vibe.

Can I freeze it?

Freezing is not ideal due to the cream sauce, which can separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for short-term leftovers.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this creamy Cajun chicken pasta, check out some of these irresistible dishes:

One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a hearty weeknight winner.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli if you want bold flavor in every bite.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli for a fresh and cozy skillet option.
Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo when you want to elevate dinner with steak.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a comfort food mashup you’ll love.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it whenever you’re craving something creamy and bold.

And if you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you spice it up with extra Cajun heat? Add mushrooms or spinach? Let me know in the comments!

✨ For more delicious comfort food ideas, follow along on Pinterest @hallarecipes and stay inspired with easy meals from Life with Jam.

Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A bold and creamy pasta dish made with seared Cajun chicken, garlic butter sauce, and rich parmesan cream—twirled into every bite of tender rotini. Perfect for cozy nights or a flavor-packed family dinner.

Instructions

1. Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.

2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Boil rotini in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently.

5. Stir in parmesan cheese until smooth. If needed, use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

6. Add cooked rotini and chicken to the sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.

7. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and lemon zest. Serve hot.