Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make weeknight dinner that combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a rich and velvety Cajun-spiced cream sauce, tossed with pasta for a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- Salt, for the pasta water
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Optional Garnishes and Variations:
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms)
- Shrimp (as a substitute for chicken)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning on both sides to ensure full flavor. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest. Then, slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Toss pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, stirring for 1 minute to bloom the spices. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, simmer 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly. If sauce is too thick, incorporate reserved pasta water gradually for desired consistency. Add sliced chicken and toss until evenly distributed. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful protein.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Optional add-ins like sautéed vegetables boost nutrition and flavor.
- Substituting shrimp offers a tasty seafood variation.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipes, spicy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinners, Cajun seasoning pasta, chicken penne pasta
