If you’ve been craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, comforting creaminess, and a touch of spice, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe. Picture tender rotini pasta coated in luscious parmesan cream sauce, paired with succulent chicken infused with smoky Cajun spices and garlicky butter. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or whenever you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The blend of rich and zesty flavors makes every bite an experience you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the pasta delivers comforting texture, the Cajun seasoning brings lively heat, and the creamy parmesan sauce ties everything together with a silky finish.
- 8 oz Rotini Pasta: Spiraled shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- 1 lb Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for a leaner option; turkey or tofu work well for variations.
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning: Adds smoky, spicy notes—feel free to adjust for your preferred heat level.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to golden perfection without overpowering the flavors.
- 4 tbsp Butter: Enriches the garlic sauce, making it silky and indulgent.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious base for the parmesan sauce.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated: Brings salty, nutty richness that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 0.5 cup Reserved Pasta Water: Helps loosen and marry the sauce to the pasta perfectly.
- 2 tbsp Parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens the dish.
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning throughout.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the rotini in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta holds its perfect bite under the cream sauce. Be sure to save about half a cup of pasta water before draining—it’s a secret weapon to achieving silky sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken dry and coat it generously with the Cajun seasoning. This layer of spices is what gives the chicken that bold, smoky kick. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until it’s golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, set the chicken aside and slice it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same pan, reduce the heat and add the butter along with the minced garlic. Let the garlic gently infuse the butter without browning, releasing its wonderful aroma. Next, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly—this velvety base is what makes the dish truly indulgent.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Pasta Water
Once the cream sauce has thickened, gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly, creating a rich coating for the rotini. To balance the sauce and help it cling to the pasta, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring until you reach a creamy, luscious consistency.
Step 5: Toss Pasta and Chicken Together
Return the sliced Cajun chicken to the pan, then add the drained rotini. Toss everything gently to combine and coat every piece with that irresistible cream sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley right before serving to add a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for an elevated presentation and an added layer of flavor. If you like a bit of heat, a light dusting of smoked paprika or a few red pepper flakes can add a nice touch of smoky spice to perfect the dish.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds a wonderful contrast in texture and freshness. Garlic bread or crusty artisan rolls are also fantastic for mopping up every last bit of that creamy, flavorful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or family gatherings, serve the creamy parmesan rotini in a large, shallow bowl with the chicken artfully layered on top. You could also portion it into individual ramekins and broil for a couple of minutes with extra parmesan, creating a bubbly, golden crust that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well but keep in mind the cream sauce may slightly separate upon thawing. Freeze in portioned containers and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Give it a good stir while reheating to restore the creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just warm in short bursts, stirring between intervals to keep the sauce smooth and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of rotini?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, other short pastas like penne, fusilli, or farfalle will also work beautifully.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The Cajun seasoning adds a nice mild to medium kick, but you can easily adjust the amount or choose a milder seasoning if you prefer less heat.
Can I substitute the chicken with tofu?
Yes, tofu is a great plant-based option. Use firm tofu, press out excess moisture, and season with Cajun spices before pan-frying for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to achieve a similar creamy texture, though the richness will be slightly less intense.
How do I make sure the sauce doesn’t get too thick or clumpy?
Adding reserved pasta water in small increments helps keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Also, stirring gently over low heat prevents the cheese from clumping.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and exciting all at once. Whether it becomes your go-to weeknight meal or the star of your next dinner gathering, it’s sure to bring smiles to the table. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
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Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Indulgent Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken is a flavorful and comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken seasoned with spicy Cajun seasoning, buttery garlic, and a rich creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfectly cooked rotini pasta blends with the luscious sauce, making it a satisfying meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz Rotini Pasta
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 lb Chicken Breasts or Thighs (Feel free to substitute with turkey or tofu.)
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (Adjust to your spice preference.)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Any neutral oil can work as a substitute.)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated)
- 0.5 cup Reserved Pasta Water
- 2 tbsp Parsley (Chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces if not already cut. Toss the chicken with the Cajun seasoning ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and the reserved pasta water to the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything thoroughly to combine and heat through.
- Finish and Serve: Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley for freshness. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning depending on your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
