Description
Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken—a bold, comforting dish that brings together the rich flavor of Cajun-spiced chicken with a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, indulgent weekend meals, or impressing your guests without the stress. This easy recipe uses kitchen staples and delivers maximum flavor in minimal time. It’s one of those must-try dinner ideas that’ll quickly become a go-to. If you’re looking for a satisfying yet simple meal, this creamy pasta recipe checks every box. Great for anyone searching for easy dinners, quick meals, or family-friendly food ideas.
Ingredients
340g rotini pasta
450g chicken breast
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into strips or cubes and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
4. Lower skillet heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream, scraping up bits from the pan. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Add cooked rotini to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let cook together for 1–2 minutes.
8. Plate pasta, top with seared chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to stay juicy when sliced.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, cajun chicken, parmesan rotini, quick meals