Description
This Indulgent Creamy Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken is a flavorful and comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken seasoned with spicy Cajun seasoning, buttery garlic, and a rich creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfectly cooked rotini pasta blends with the luscious sauce, making it a satisfying meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz Rotini Pasta
Chicken & Seasoning
- 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.)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated)
- 0.5 cup Reserved Pasta Water
- 2 tbsp Parsley (Chopped)
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, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces if not already cut. Toss the chicken with the Cajun seasoning ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and the reserved pasta water to the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything thoroughly to combine and heat through.
- Finish and Serve: Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley for freshness. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning depending on your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
