Description

This Indulgent Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts seasoned with zesty Cajun spices are pan-seared to perfection and tossed in a rich, creamy parmesan sauce with rotini pasta. The dish is finished with a fresh sprinkle of parsley, delivering a delicious balance of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors that will satisfy any craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz Rotini Pasta
0.5 cup Reserved Pasta Water
to taste Salt
to taste Black Pepper

Chicken

1 lb Chicken Breasts or Thighs (Feel free to substitute with turkey or tofu.)
2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (Adjust to your spice preference.)
2 tbsp Olive Oil (Any neutral oil can work as a substitute.)

Sauce

4 tbsp Butter
3 cloves Garlic (Minced.)
1 cup Heavy Cream
1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated.)
2 tbsp Parsley (Chopped.)

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Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken breasts dry and season evenly with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. This seasoning blend will provide a bold, spicy flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Create the Cream Sauce: Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in the 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked rotini and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss to coat everything evenly and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy the indulgent, creamy flavors.

Notes

You can substitute chicken with turkey or tofu to suit dietary preferences.
Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice tolerance.
Reserve pasta water as it helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but expect a less creamy texture.
Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.