Name: Garlic Butter Chicken over Cheesy Cajun Rotini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp butter (for pan searing); 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional garnish); 2 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Salt to taste; 12 oz rotini pasta; Salted water, for boiling; Fresh basil leaves; Sliced cherry tomatoes; Extra Parmesan cheese

Golden-seared chicken, dripping in a rich garlic butter glaze, laid over a velvety bed of Cajun-seasoned cheesy rotini—it’s comfort food that delivers big on both flavor and satisfaction. The contrast of juicy, savory chicken with the bold spice of Cajun cream sauce creates a dish that feels luxurious yet familiar. The spiral-shaped rotini holds onto every drop of the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is indulgent.

This dish brings together a Southern-inspired Cajun kick with classic Italian pasta and rich French-style garlic butter. It’s hearty enough for a dinner party centerpiece but easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. Whether you’re after soul-warming comfort or a crowd-pleaser with flair, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken over Cheesy Cajun Rotini

Bold Flavor Fusion: A perfect balance of spice, richness, and savory goodness.
Simple Yet Impressive: Looks gourmet, but it’s incredibly easy to make.
Great for Meal Prep: Reheats well and stores beautifully.
Crowd Favorite: Universally loved flavors—cheese, garlic, chicken, and spice.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment — And Why They Matter

Creating the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken over Cheesy Cajun Rotini starts with having the right tools on hand. Each item plays a key role in either prepping, cooking, or presenting this flavor-packed dish:

Cast Iron or Stainless Steel Skillet: Delivers even heat and creates that essential sear on the chicken for a golden, crusted exterior.
Large Pot: Needed to boil the rotini pasta evenly without sticking or overcrowding.
Tongs or Spatula: For flipping the chicken without tearing the crust. Tongs are especially helpful when basting in garlic butter.
Microplane or Garlic Press: To finely mince garlic for the butter sauce, maximizing its flavor infusion.
Whisk: Helps emulsify the cream sauce and ensures the cheese melts smoothly.
Colander: Drains pasta efficiently without losing heat or pasta water.
Meat Thermometer (optional but useful): Ensures the chicken is cooked through without overcooking.

Preparation Tips

Marinate Early: Even 15–30 minutes in a basic olive oil, Cajun spice, and garlic marinade improves chicken tenderness and flavor.
Room Temperature Chicken: Let the chicken sit out for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure an even sear.
Salt Pasta Water Generously: It should taste like the sea—this is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
Save Pasta Water: Before draining, save ½ cup. It can help loosen the cheese sauce if it gets too thick.
Grate Cheese Freshly: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make sauces gritty.
Low and Slow for Garlic: When adding garlic to the butter, keep the heat low to avoid burning and bitterness.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Especially if you’re combining everything back in the skillet—it will finish cooking in the sauce.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken over Cheesy Cajun Rotini

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this rich, spicy, and comforting dish to life. These ingredients are structured by components—chicken, pasta, sauce—to make prep even easier.

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp butter (for pan searing)
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional garnish)

For the Cajun Cheese Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to spice level)
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
Salt to taste

For the Rotini:

12 oz rotini pasta
Salted water, for boiling

Optional Toppings:

Fresh basil leaves
Sliced cherry tomatoes or roma tomato rounds
Extra Parmesan for sprinkling

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Rub both sides with olive oil, then season evenly with smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from pan and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.

Step 5: Build the Cajun Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses gradually until melted and smooth. Stir in Cajun seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until the pasta is fully coated and creamy. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly and absorb flavor.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Slice the rested chicken and lay it over the cheesy rotini. Spoon over any remaining garlic butter from the skillet. Garnish with chopped parsley, fresh basil, and sliced tomatoes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Customize the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild blend. For heat lovers, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Cheese Swap Option: Try mozzarella for a stretchier, mellower cheese sauce, or pepper jack for added spice.
Pasta Variations: Penne or fusilli work well if you don’t have rotini. Choose pasta shapes that grip the sauce.
Double the Chicken: This dish scales easily. Just cook in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
Make it a One-Pot Meal: After searing the chicken, you can add the cooked pasta and sauce into the same skillet to finish, reducing cleanup.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Chicken: Dry chicken ruins the texture. Use a thermometer or cut to check for doneness right at 165°F (74°C).
Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly—use medium to low heat when sautéing in butter to avoid bitterness.
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: It doesn’t melt as smoothly due to anti-caking agents. Always grate fresh cheese for the best sauce consistency.
Undersalting the Pasta Water: Bland pasta will drag down the whole dish. Salt the water generously.
Skipping the Pasta Water: That starchy liquid helps adjust the sauce’s thickness and makes it cling to the pasta better.
Adding Cheese Too Fast: Dumping in all the cheese at once can make the sauce grainy. Add it gradually and stir constantly.
Cutting Chicken Right Away: Letting it rest keeps the juices inside. Cutting it too soon leads to dryness.
Using Low-Fat Cream: For the best creamy texture, stick to heavy cream or full-fat substitutes.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken over Cheesy Cajun Rotini?

This rich, cheesy, and boldly seasoned dish pairs beautifully with sides that balance or complement its depth. Whether you’re aiming for a complete dinner spread or a simple plate upgrade, these ideas will enhance your meal.

8 Recommendations

Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette
Perfect for soaking up the extra Cajun cheese sauce. The crunch adds a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.
Simple Arugula or Spinach Salad
Light and peppery greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette cut through the richness of the dish.
Roasted Broccoli or Cauliflower
These veggies roast up crispy and slightly sweet, adding texture and balancing the creaminess.
Steamed Green Beans with Lemon Zest
Bright and fresh, green beans offer a crisp-tender bite that contrasts well with soft rotini and chicken.
Grilled Asparagus Spears
Earthy and slightly charred, asparagus enhances the dish without overpowering it.
Corn on the Cob with Cajun Butter
Echoes the flavor theme with a fun, summery side that’s both sweet and spicy.
Tomato-Cucumber Salad with Feta
A chilled, refreshing salad that brings acidity and a little briny bite to the table.
Creamy Coleslaw
Its tangy crunch complements the dish and adds variety to the plate.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the dish is fully cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Reheating:

For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms.
Microwave in short bursts (60–90 seconds), stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Avoid overheating the chicken as it can become dry.

Freezing (Not Recommended):
Because of the cream-based sauce, freezing may result in graininess upon thawing. If you do freeze it, store in airtight containers for up to 1 month, and reheat gently on the stove.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 4 servings total)

Calories: ~780 kcal
Protein: 42g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 48g
Saturated Fat: 26g
Cholesterol: 185mg
Sodium: 790mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine work well. Choose pasta with grooves or ridges to help hold onto the cheesy Cajun sauce.

2. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the heat to your liking.

3. Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes—use plant-based butter, coconut cream or cashew cream for the sauce, and vegan cheeses that melt well. Flavor may vary slightly but still delicious.

4. How do I prevent the cheese sauce from clumping?

Use freshly grated cheese and add it gradually while whisking. Avoid high heat, which can cause separation or clumping.

5. Can I cook the chicken in advance?

Absolutely. Cooked chicken can be refrigerated up to 3 days in advance and added to the dish just before serving.

6. What protein substitutes work instead of chicken?

Shrimp, turkey breast, or even tofu can be used. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

7. Can I make this spicier?

Yes—add extra Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the sauce for more heat.

8. Is this dish suitable for kids?

Yes, but tone down the Cajun spice to make it more kid-friendly, or serve theirs separately before adding the full seasoning.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken over Cheesy Cajun Rotini is a mouthwatering fusion of spicy, creamy, and savory goodness—all in one skillet. With juicy seared chicken, rich Cajun-infused cheese sauce, and perfectly coated pasta, it’s a recipe that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or treating yourself midweek, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss.