Description
Garlic Butter Chicken over Cheesy Cajun Rotini combines bold spices with rich, creamy textures for a comforting, flavorful meal. Perfectly seared chicken is nestled on a bed of rotini pasta coated in a Cajun-seasoned cheese sauce, making every bite irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter (for pan searing)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional garnish)
For the Cajun Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Rotini:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- Salted water, for boiling
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Sliced cherry tomatoes
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry, coat with olive oil, and season with paprika, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let rest 15 minutes.
- Cook rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 5-6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, lower heat and melt 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Add Cajun seasoning, onion powder, pepper, and salt. If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water.
- Add cooked rotini and toss to coat in sauce. Let simmer 2-3 minutes.
- Slice chicken and serve over the cheesy rotini. Garnish with parsley, basil, or tomatoes as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes