If you’re searching for a flavor-packed dish that can be whipped up in a flash, look no further than Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta. This recipe is the perfect blend of vibrant spices and creamy pasta that will leave your taste buds dancing. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that your family and friends will love. The combination of Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, and rich Parmesan cream sauce over twisted rotini pasta is simply irresistible.
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. Whether you’re craving something spicy, comforting, or indulgent, it has everything you need. Plus, it’s quick enough for busy weeknights, making it an ideal go-to option for those nights when you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal. This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta can easily become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta
This delightful recipe packs a punch with a rich array of benefits that make it a prime choice for dinner on any night:
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Bold Flavors: The Cajun seasoning provides an exciting kick that’s both bold and comforting.
- Creamy Goodness: Rich, creamy sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese makes the pasta incredibly indulgent.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with most cooking done in one skillet, saving time and effort.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of savory chicken and creamy pasta.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To kick off your culinary adventure with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken and Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools for success. Start by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized. Having a clear countertop will make the cooking process smoother.
Here’s a list of essential tools for this recipe:
- Cutting Board: For slicing chicken and prepping ingredients like garlic and parsley.
- Chef’s Knife: A good-quality knife will make quick work of chopping the garlic and freshmen herbs.
- Skillet: An ideally non-stick skillet for sautéing the chicken and making the creamy pasta sauce.
- Pot for Pasta: To boil the rotini pasta until it’s al dente.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection at 165°F.
Now that your workspace is prepped and your tools are assembled, you are one step closer to creating an amazing Cajun-inspired dinner!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial to ensure your dish turns out just right. For this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta, you’ll need the following:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional garnish)
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear when cooking. Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning; this spice blend will infuse the chicken with wonderful flavors. Once seasoned, let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes to absorb the spices and develop flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter and olive oil. Once the fat is hot and bubbly, carefully place the chicken into the skillet. Allow it to sizzle beautifully for about 5-6 minutes per side until the chicken is perfectly golden-brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This step is key to ensuring a juicy chicken breast. After cooking, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest to keep it moist.
Step 3: Boil the Pasta
While the chicken is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This typically takes around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the luscious sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet (to catch all those delightful chicken bits), lower the heat to medium. You may add a bit more butter if you think it’s necessary. Next, pour in the heavy cream, sprinkle in the garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently simmer the ingredients together, stirring occasionally until well combined, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Stir in the Parmesan
Once the sauce is warmed, add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese melts and blends into the sauce, creating a creamy texture that will beautifully coat the pasta.
Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained rotini pasta to the creamy sauce. Using tongs or a spoon, toss the pasta until it’s evenly coated with the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes so the pasta can absorb some of those rich flavors.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
With the chicken rested, slice it into strips or cubes, whichever you prefer. Arrange the sliced chicken either on top of the pasta or alongside it on the plate. To elevate the dish, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
Variations
Feel free to customize this delicious recipe according to your preferences and what’s available in your pantry! Here are a few tasty variations:
- Protein: Substitute chicken for shrimp or even sausage for a different protein approach.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spices: Adjust the Cajun seasoning for spiciness; alternatively, try Italian herbs for a milder flavor.
Cooking Notes
- For optimal creaminess, ensure you use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated.
- Make sure not to let the sauce boil vigorously as this can cause the cream to separate.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
- A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay, complements the creamy flavor beautifully.
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a touch of lemon juice and garlic before cooking.
- Create a richer sauce by adding a splash of chicken broth along with the heavy cream.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store in the fridge and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
What can I serve as leftovers?
This dish reheats well, making it a great choice for lunch the next day. Simply microwave until hot.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you enjoy will work. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
What if I can’t find Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and other spices or purchase a ready-made blend from the store.
Conclusion
In just 30 minutes, you can pull together a vibrant and comforting dinner everyone will enjoy. Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta not only satisfies those cravings for rich, flavorful food, but it’s also simple enough for a weekday dinner. Don’t forget to experiment with different ingredient combinations to make this dish your own. Share your thoughts and variations in the comments below, and don’t hesitate to let your friends and family in on this delightful recipe!
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Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavor-packed dish with Cajun spices and creamy pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional garnish)
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and generously season with Cajun seasoning. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil. Sizzle the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden-brown and cooked through. Rest the chicken.
- Boil the Pasta: Cook rotini pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat and add heavy cream and garlic powder; simmer until well combined.
- Stir in the Parmesan: Add grated Parmesan to the sauce, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained pasta in the sauce until evenly coated; simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the chicken and serve on top of or alongside the pasta, garnishing with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
This dish can be prepped ahead of time. Store chicken and sauce separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 35 g