Why Make This Recipe
Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta is a delightful dish that brings a taste of the South to your dinner table. It combines tender chicken and pasta in a rich and creamy sauce, making it a perfect meal for family gatherings or a cozy night in. With its bold flavors and creamy texture, this recipe is sure to please everyone. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 oz twisted pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Cook the twisted pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.
How to Serve Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta
Serve this dish hot, right after cooking, to enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture. It’s wonderful on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top can also enhance the presentation and taste.
How to Store Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool down completely before placing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Tips to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta
- Make sure to cook the chicken until it’s fully done. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
- For extra flavor, you can throw in some vegetables like spinach or bell peppers when sautéing the garlic.
Variation
You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage for a different take on this dish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is perfectly cooked.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a low-fat cream alternative, though the sauce may be less rich.
2. Is there a gluten-free version of this dish?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
3. Can I freeze Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it, but the texture of the cream sauce may change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta
A delightful Cajun garlic butter chicken paired with creamy Parmesan twisted pasta, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 oz twisted pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the twisted pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
Make sure to cook the chicken until it’s fully done. Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference. For extra flavor, add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers when sautéing garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg