Description
Craving a bold, comforting, and creamy dinner idea that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Twisted Pasta is your answer. Juicy, spice-rubbed chicken thighs are pan-seared in garlic butter and paired with tender twisted pasta drenched in a velvety Parmesan sauce. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for weeknights but special enough to serve to guests. Whether you're after quick dinner ideas, comfort food, or a protein-packed meal with creamy pasta goodness — this is one dish you'll want on repeat.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
10 oz twisted pasta (fusilli, rotini, or gemelli)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup reserved pasta water
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken dry. Mix Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub onto both sides of the chicken and let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Lower the heat, add butter and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds. Add lemon juice if using. Return chicken to coat in garlic butter and set aside.
4. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 0.5 cup pasta water before draining.
5. In a clean pan or the same pot, melt butter and sauté garlic. Pour in cream, then whisk in Parmesan until melted.
6. Season sauce with salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning.
7. Add pasta and toss to coat. Add pasta water gradually to adjust sauce thickness.
8. Plate pasta, top with Cajun chicken, spoon garlic butter over, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes at room temp before cooking to ensure even searing.
Use fresh Parmesan for a smooth, creamy sauce — pre-grated cheese won’t melt properly.
Always save pasta water! It helps bind and loosen the sauce to silky perfection.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: Easy dinner, creamy pasta, cajun chicken, comfort food, weeknight meals