Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts seasoned with spicy Cajun spices, al dente pasta, and a velvety, smoky cream sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this pasta features bold flavors with a hint of heat, balanced by parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
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 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 chicken substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add chicken. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest. Slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside, tossing with a little olive oil if desired.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika; cook 1 minute to bloom spices. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Simmer 4-5 minutes to thicken. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to skillet with sauce and toss to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time for desired consistency. Add sliced chicken and toss gently to combine. Remove from heat.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal. Optionally sprinkle red pepper flakes or squeeze fresh lemon juice for added brightness.
Notes
- Use a high-quality Cajun seasoning blend or make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano.
- Do not overcook chicken to avoid dryness; use a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F (74°C).
- Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce and help it adhere to the pasta.
- Adjust heat level by varying Cajun seasoning and adding red pepper flakes as preferred.
- Substitute shrimp in place of chicken for a seafood variation.
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Pasta Recipe, Cajun Seasoning Pasta, Spicy Chicken Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipe
