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1 Recipe

1 Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 28 reviews

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices, sautéed to golden perfection, and combined with pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. This dish balances spicy, smoky, and savory flavors with creamy texture, making it an indulgent yet easy weeknight dinner option.

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 chicken substitute)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to ensure full flavor penetration.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest.
  3. Slice the Chicken: After resting for a few minutes, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  4. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente.
  5. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water to help adjust sauce consistency later.
  6. Drain the Pasta: Drain pasta and toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  7. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding burning.
  8. Add Seasonings: Stir in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, allowing the spices to bloom in the butter for 1 minute to deepen flavors.
  9. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  10. Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  11. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if it is too thick.
  12. Add Chicken: Add sliced chicken to the pasta and sauce mixture, tossing gently to distribute evenly.
  13. Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use a high-quality Cajun seasoning for the best flavor; homemade blends work wonderfully.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender; use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
  • Always reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce cling to the noodles.
  • Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes to customize the spiciness to your preference.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free pasta without altering the rest of the ingredients.
  • Shrimp can be used instead of chicken for a delicious variation.
  • Adding sautéed vegetables enhances flavor, texture, and nutritional value.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipe, spicy chicken pasta, Cajun seasoning recipe, one-pan pasta, easy dinner, creamy Cajun sauce

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