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Cajun Garlic Pasta

Cajun Garlic Pasta

Discover the rich and spicy flavors of Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Twisted Pasta, a creamy Alfredo dish perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs rotini twisted pasta
  • 2.25 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 6 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup Velveeta cheese cubes
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander for draining pasta
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or wooden spoon for stirring

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the rotini, and cook until just tender. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a bowl, season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large deep skillet. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add the remaining butter, and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and add cream cheese; stir until smooth.
  6. Add Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and combined. Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  7. Toss the cooked rotini in the sauce, then mix in the chicken.
  8. Serve warm, garnished with parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 42gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 1100mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 450mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce before adding the cheeses. It balances the richness beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick version. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preference for a milder dish. Enjoy your cooking!
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