Description
Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Twisted Pasta and Garlic Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring Cajun-spiced chicken, rotini pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a weeknight-friendly meal that feels indulgent and restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli)
- 1 cup Velveeta, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and garlic powder to coat evenly.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter with olive oil. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and keep warm.
- Lower heat to medium and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and milk, stir, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in Velveeta until melted, then add mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and thickened.
- Season sauce with salt and pepper. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Plate pasta with seared chicken on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- Use penne or rigatoni for a pasta variation.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Mix in sautéed spinach or broccoli for added veggies.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Velveeta can be replaced with cream cheese or extra mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
