Description
If you’re looking for a quick dinner idea that’s bold, creamy, and comforting, this *Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta* is everything you need. Juicy Cajun-spiced chicken pairs with tender rotini pasta drenched in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, all brought together with garlicky butter. It’s a satisfying, easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or when you want a restaurant-quality meal without the effort. Whether you’re into easy food ideas, craving a healthy-ish comfort meal, or just looking for dinner inspiration, this dish will land on your repeat list in no time.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
3 tablespoons butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces rotini pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks, pat dry, and toss with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1½ tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta until al dente, drain, and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium and melt remaining 1½ tablespoons of butter. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir gently or serve chicken on top of pasta.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and a pinch of black pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce—pre-shredded cheese can clump.
Don’t skip the pasta water—it’s your secret weapon to perfect sauce texture.
Let the chicken rest a couple of minutes before slicing or mixing—it stays juicier that way.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, Cajun chicken, quick weeknight meal