Description

Spicy, creamy, and irresistibly comforting—Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta is the perfect mash-up of bold Southern flavor and rich Italian creaminess. Tender chicken bites are seared in garlic butter and tossed in a spicy Cajun crust, then paired with rotini pasta drenched in a smooth, cheesy Parmesan sauce. Ideal for quick dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests, this easy recipe hits the mark for anyone craving something hearty, flavorful, and fast. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, comfort food recipes, or just something bold and satisfying, this dish checks every box.

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp unsalted butter

4 garlic cloves minced

1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

12 oz rotini pasta

2 tbsp unsalted butter

3 garlic cloves minced

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

½ cup reserved pasta water

1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes and pat dry. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return chicken to the skillet and coat in garlic butter. Keep warm.

4. Meanwhile, cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

5. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until aromatic. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes.

6. Stir in Parmesan cheese gradually, allowing it to melt fully. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water.

7. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.

8. Serve pasta topped with Cajun garlic butter chicken and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce texture—pre-shredded varieties may clump or stay grainy.

If the sauce gets too thick, always reach for the reserved pasta water to loosen it up without diluting flavor.

To brighten up the dish and balance the richness, add a light squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 710
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, Cajun chicken, comfort food, chicken pasta, parmesan, weeknight meal