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Parmesan Rotini with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

A delightful dish combining tender rotini pasta with creamy Parmesan and spicy Cajun garlic butter chicken, perfect for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 12 ounces Rotini Pasta Opt for high-quality pasta; gluten-free options are available.
  • 1 pound Chicken Breasts, boneless and skinless Fresher is better! Look for organic if possible.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature Make sure it's softened for easy blending; I love using Kerrygold.
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for the best taste.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Grating your own from a block provides better flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Spice Blend You can either buy a blend or create your own.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Adds richness; can substitute with half-and-half.
Seasoning
  • Salt & Pepper To taste.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Sautéing the Chicken
  1. Season the chicken breasts with Cajun spice, salt, and pepper. In a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-10 minutes. Let rest before slicing.
  2. Letting the chicken rest prevents juices from escaping, keeping it moist.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over lower heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Use reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Combining the Dish
  1. Toss the cooked rotini into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Add the sliced chicken on top and mix gently.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing is also an option, keeping pasta and sauce separate for best texture.