Garlic Parmesan Chicken Twisted Pasta in Spicy Three-Cheese Cajun Sauce
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Twisted Pasta in Spicy Three-Cheese Cajun Sauce. This delightful dish combines tender chicken strips with a zesty, cheesy sauce that elevates your pasta experience to a new level. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also fully customizable to suit your taste. With bold Cajun spices and a luscious cheese blend, every bite promises comfort and satisfaction. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an enticing presentation that will impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 12 oz twisted pasta (gemelli, fusilli, or any twisty shape)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for coating the chicken
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for sauce
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- Fresh parsley or dried herbs, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add twisted pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Press grated Parmesan into the chicken to create a light crust.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken strips. Sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on both sides. In the last minute of cooking, add remaining butter and half of the minced garlic.
- Remove cooked chicken from skillet; keep warm. In the same skillet, melt remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté remaining garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer.
- Add softened cream cheese; whisk until smooth. Slowly stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until thickened.
- Season with Italian seasoning, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add twisted pasta into cheese sauce; toss to coat evenly. Let simmer on low heat for about 12 minutes so flavors meld together.
- Plate cheesy pasta topped with garlic Parmesan chicken strips. Garnish with fresh parsley or dried herbs as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 379g)
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 150mg