Garlic Butter Chicken Twisted Pasta in Velvety Cajun Parmesan Cheese Sauce
Eating should be an adventure, and nothing embodies this more than Garlic Butter Chicken Twisted Pasta in a Velvety Cajun Parmesan Cheese Sauce. Picture tender, juicy chicken strips mingling with corkscrew-shaped pasta, all enveloped in a luscious Cajun cheese sauce that’s as comforting as it is bold. Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or looking to spice up your weeknight routine, this dish is sure to impress.
Why Cook This at Home
When it comes to cozy meals that deliver flavor without a fuss, this recipe stands out. First, it’s quick and easy, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. On top of that, it’s budget-friendly, and packed with layers of flavor that your family will love. Just think about it: creamy pasta coated in a tantalizing Cajun sauce, perfectly balanced with garlic and rich Parmesan — what’s not to love?
"I made this last week and my whole family couldn’t stop raving about it! The creamy sauce and Cajun flavor took pasta night to a whole new level." – Emily, satisfied home cook
Step-by-Step Overview
Creating this delightful dish involves a few key stages: cooking the pasta, preparing the Cajun-seasoned chicken, and crafting the velvety sauce that ties everything together. Here’s how it all unfolds:
- Cook the pasta until al dente.
- Sauté the Cajun chicken until golden brown.
- Mix garlic and broth with cream and cheeses to create the sauce.
- Combine everything for a glorious, creamy pasta delight.
- Serve with garnishes for that perfect finish.
What You’ll Need
To make Garlic Butter Chicken Twisted Pasta in Velvety Cajun Parmesan Cheese Sauce, gather these ingredients:
- 1¼ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz twisted pasta (like rotini or fusilli)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra creaminess)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (for garnish)
- A sprinkle of Cajun seasoning (for garnish)
Feel free to customize! Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes. Prefer a lighter option? Swap in half-and-half for heavy cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the rest.
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Cook the Cajun Chicken: Pat the sliced chicken dry. Season it with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt an additional small knob of butter if it looks dry. Add minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant — about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to mix. Whisk in cream cheese until it’s melted and the mixture is smooth. Gradually add the Parmesan (and mozzarella, if using), stirring until the sauce is creamy and velvety. Adjust seasoning with Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your taste.
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Combine Everything: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until it’s evenly coated. Return the Cajun chicken to the pan and gently fold it into the creamy pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, you can loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
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Serve & Garnish: Plate the pasta and finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a light dusting of Cajun seasoning for added flair.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To elevate your dining experience, consider serving this dish with a fresh salad or crusty garlic bread. A glass of chilled white wine or a light beer pairs wonderfully with the dish’s rich flavors. For an extra touch, you might even zest some lemon over the top before serving for a citrusy kick.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to rejuvenate the sauce. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in individual portions for up to a month. Just ensure it’s well-sealed.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Chicken Preparation: Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning it. This ensures a nice sear and enhances the flavor.
- Pasta Cooking: Keep an eye on your pasta; cooking it al dente ensures it won’t turn mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Cheese Tips: For a truly indulgent experience, don’t skip the mozzarella. It adds an irresistible creaminess!
Creative Twists
Want to give this dish a personal touch? Consider adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrition. You could even swap the Cajun seasoning for an Italian blend for a completely different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
Your Questions Answered
Q: How long does it take to make this dish?
A: The total cooking time is about 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a quick dinner.
Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream?
A: Yes! You can use half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter variation.
Q: Is this dish kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely! The creamy sauce and mild Cajun flavor make it appealing to kids, but you can adjust the spiciness to your preference.
Now that you have everything you need to create this wonderful Garlic Butter Chicken Twisted Pasta in Velvety Cajun Parmesan Cheese Sauce, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and enjoy! Happy cooking!
Garlic Butter Chicken Twisted Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Pat the sliced chicken dry. Season it with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Using the same skillet, melt an additional small knob of butter if it looks dry. Add minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant — about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to mix.
- Whisk in cream cheese until it’s melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Gradually add the Parmesan (and mozzarella, if using), stirring until the sauce is creamy and velvety. Adjust seasoning with Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until it’s evenly coated.
- Return the Cajun chicken to the pan and gently fold it into the creamy pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Plate the pasta and finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a light dusting of Cajun seasoning for added flair.
