Garlic Parmesan Chicken Twisted Pasta in Spicy Three-Cheese Cajun Sauce
Indulge in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Twisted Pasta in Spicy Three-Cheese Cajun Sauce—a creamy, flavorful dish that perfectly marries rich cheeses with a zesty Cajun kick. This delightful recipe is ideal for family dinners or special occasions, featuring tender chicken and twisted pasta enveloped in a luscious three-cheese sauce. The bold flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds! Quick and easy to prepare, it’s customizable to suit your taste, whether you want to add veggies or adjust the spice level. Get ready to elevate your pasta night with this irresistible comfort food!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz twisted pasta (gemelli or fusilli)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for coating)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 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
- Cook the twisted pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat with grated Parmesan.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter; sear chicken until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking; remove from heat and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter, add garlic, then pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; simmer.
- Whisk in cream cheese followed by mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted.
- Season sauce with Italian seasoning and basil; adjust flavor as needed.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until well-coated; simmer for about 12 minutes.
- Serve topped with garlic Parmesan chicken strips and garnish as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 850
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 150mg