Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken breast sautéed to perfection and tossed with pasta in a velvety, spicy cream sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. This comforting meal combines bold Southern spices with creamy textures, delivering the perfect balance of heat and indulgence for a satisfying dinner.
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 & Variations:
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms)
- Shrimp (as chicken substitute)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to ensure the chicken is flavorful throughout.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove and let rest.
- Slice the Chicken: After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces; set aside for later.
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 8-10 minutes until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, save 1 cup of pasta cooking water to help thin the sauce if needed.
- Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta and optionally toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking; set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant without burning.
- Add Spices: Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stir well, and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in Parmesan: Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Add Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Incorporate sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
- Substitute shrimp for chicken to create a seafood version of the dish.
- Resting the chicken after cooking ensures juicier slices.
- Use pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for better coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 630 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipe, spicy chicken pasta, Cajun seasoning pasta, dinner recipe
