If you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and loaded with bold flavor, this Garlic Butter Chicken over Cheesy Cajun Rotini is your new go-to recipe. Imagine juicy chicken coated in garlic butter, tossed with tender rotini pasta, and finished with a rich, cheesy Cajun cream sauce. It’s the perfect fusion of Southern spice and Italian comfort, making it a crowd-pleasing meal for weeknights, family dinners, or even date night.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For the Cheesy Cajun Rotini:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup shredded cheddar
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook rotini until al dente, according to package directions.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss chicken slices with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Base
- In the same skillet, melt butter.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
4. Build the Cajun Cream Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
5. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked rotini into the skillet with sauce. Toss to coat.
- If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water (a little at a time).
- Place the seared chicken slices on top.
6. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, Cajun-spiced perfection!
Chef’s Tips & Pro Cooking Secrets
- Juicier chicken: Let chicken rest 3–5 minutes after cooking before slicing.
- Creamy sauce hack: Add cream cheese for extra richness.
- Perfect Cajun flavor: Use a homemade Cajun blend (paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano).
- Balanced spice: Start with less Cajun seasoning and adjust—different brands vary in heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
(Estimated – based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 38g
- Carbs: 47g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad or roasted veggies.
- For beverages, try a chilled white wine (like Chardonnay) or a refreshing sparkling lemonade.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (best without pasta, then add fresh when reheating).
- Reheat: Warm on stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.
Variations & Customizations
- Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
- Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of rotini.
- Extra Spicy: Add hot sauce or extra cayenne pepper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes, just shred and toss into the sauce before serving.
Q2: Which cheese melts best for Cajun pasta?
A mix of mozzarella (for stretch), cheddar (for sharpness), and Parmesan (for depth) is ideal.
Q3: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but store pasta and sauce separately to prevent sogginess.
Q4: Can I substitute heavy cream?
Yes, use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a mix of milk + cream cheese.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken over Cheesy Cajun Rotini is more than just a pasta dish—it’s a fusion of bold Cajun flavors, creamy Italian-style cheese, and the comforting richness of garlic butter. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family dinner or an indulgent weekend treat, this recipe delivers flavor and satisfaction in every bite.
