Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Cheese Sauce
Turn an ordinary pasta night into something unforgettable with this rich and flavorful Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini Pasta. Tender, juicy chicken coated in bold Cajun spices is served over perfectly cooked rotini tossed in a velvety garlic cream sauce loaded with Parmesan and cheddar cheese. It’s an easy restaurant-style dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family meals, or whenever you’re craving comforting homemade pasta with a spicy kick.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Cajun Chicken
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (plus extra to taste)
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Pasta
12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
Fresh chopped parsley
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, Cajun seasoning, and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in the rich sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Arrange the sliced Cajun chicken over the pasta. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Warm garlic bread
Caesar salad or a crisp green salad
Roasted broccoli or asparagus
Steamed green beans
Helpful Tips
Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Adjust the Cajun seasoning to make the dish as mild or as spicy as you like.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s silky texture.
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is the perfect balance of bold spices, juicy chicken, tender pasta, and rich, cheesy garlic sauce—comfort food that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant.
