Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Twisted Cheddar Pasta. This delightful dish features tender chicken pieces sautéed to perfection, combined with twisted pasta and enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The explosion of garlic and Cajun seasoning makes this meal irresistibly flavorful while being quick enough for busy weeknights. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s a surefire hit that will have everyone asking for seconds. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or warm crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 oz Velveeta cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes), then drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken seasoned with Cajun seasoning and spices until golden brown (8-10 minutes). Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and milk; bring to simmer.
- Stir in Velveeta until melted, then add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until smooth. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Toss cooked pasta into the sauce and mix thoroughly. Serve topped with seared chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1½ cups (400g)
- Calories: 675
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 155mg