Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta

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If you crave a dish that delivers bold flavors and indulgent comfort in every bite, Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta is calling your name. This recipe combines the savory depth of garlic butter-seared chicken with the smoky kick of Cajun spices, all wrapped in a luscious parmesan cream sauce clinging to perfectly twisted pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm, spicy hug on a plate.

Whether you’re whipping this up for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend indulgence, it comes together surprisingly fast without sacrificing richness. The contrast between the spicy chicken and the smooth, cheesy pasta sauce creates a harmony that tastes restaurant-worthy but comes from your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta

This dish is bursting with personality. The Cajun seasoning infuses the chicken with an irresistible smoky spice, while the garlic butter ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful. Paired with a pasta sauce made from heavy cream, parmesan, and a touch of pasta water magic, the result is decadent without being too heavy.

You’ll love how easily it adapts to different pasta shapes or spice levels. Plus, it’s a one-pan kind of dream when you cook the chicken and sauce in the same skillet—less mess, more flavor.

What Kind of Twisted Pasta Should I Use?

Twisted pasta like fusilli, rotini, or gemelli is perfect because its spiral grooves hold onto the sauce like a charm. The creamy parmesan mixture nestles in those folds, ensuring each forkful is rich and satisfying. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand, but the more twisty and curly the pasta, the better it soaks up that velvety Cajun cream sauce.

Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta

To make this dish truly shine, it’s all about balance. You want spice from the Cajun seasoning, creaminess from the sauce, and a savory depth from garlic butter and parmesan. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this crowd-pleaser to life:

  • Chicken breasts
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Butter
  • Garlic cloves
  • Twisted pasta (fusilli or rotini)
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Each ingredient plays a key role. Chicken breasts provide the hearty protein base and soak up the spice beautifully. Cajun seasoning brings bold, smoky flavor that defines the dish. Butter and garlic turn the pan into a fragrant base for cooking the chicken and building the sauce. Twisted pasta like rotini catches every drop of the creamy sauce. Heavy cream adds body, while parmesan cheese delivers that rich, nutty backbone. Olive oil gets the sear going, and a little salt and pepper fine-tunes the flavor. Finish with parsley for a touch of freshness.

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How To Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Generously season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is searing, cook twisted pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water, whisking until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it simmer a minute to thicken.

Step 6: Slice Chicken and Serve

Slice the cooked chicken and serve it over the creamy pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan if desired.

How to Serve and Store This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta

This recipe is perfect for feeding four people, offering generous portions of both protein and pasta. Serve it hot off the stove with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few shavings of extra parmesan for added flair. If you’re making it for a gathering, keep it in a covered skillet over low heat to stay warm without overcooking.

For storing leftovers, let everything cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

What to Serve With Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta?

Garlic Bread

The buttery, crisp edges of garlic bread pair beautifully with the rich sauce, perfect for soaking up every last bit.

Steamed Broccoli

A pop of green freshness cuts through the richness and balances the meal nicely.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons offer a cool contrast to the spicy heat of the chicken.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Oven-roasted until crispy, they bring a caramelized bitterness that complements the creamy pasta.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet and juicy corn, especially grilled, brings out the Cajun flair of the chicken.

Pickled Jalapeños

For those who like it hot, this tangy kick adds another dimension of heat and acidity.

Sparkling Lemonade

If you want a drink to cool down the spice, sparkling lemonade is light, fizzy, and refreshing.

Apple Slaw

A tangy apple slaw adds crunch and sweetness that balances the savory profile of the dish.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you’re all about creamy, bold pasta dishes with a protein punch, you’ll love diving into these other crave-worthy creations:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the Cajun heat or keep it mellow? Did you mix up the pasta shape?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, one bite at a time.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta is a bold and comforting dish that’s as fun to cook as it is to eat. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests, this flavorful fusion is bound to become a go-to. With just the right amount of spice, richness, and texture, it’s the kind of recipe that makes dinner feel like a celebration.

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Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta

Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta


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  • Author: Zoe Adelson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta is a bold and comforting dinner idea. Perfectly seasoned chicken pairs with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce over pasta spirals, creating a weeknight favorite packed with flavor and texture.


Ingredients

2 chicken breasts

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons butter

3 garlic cloves, minced

8 ounces twisted pasta (fusilli or rotini)

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)


Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side.

3. Remove chicken and set aside. In the meantime, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.

4. Lower the skillet heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan and pasta water, whisking to create a creamy sauce.

6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly and letting it thicken slightly.

7. Slice the seared chicken and place on top of the pasta.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired.

Notes

Twisted pasta like rotini holds onto sauce better, making each bite flavorful.

To make it extra creamy, add an additional tablespoon of parmesan before serving.

Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste—mild or bold, your call!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

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