Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, blending spicy, creamy, and savory flavors into a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- Chicken Breasts 2 large, boneless, skinless: Lean and tender, perfect for soaking up Cajun spices.
- Pasta 8 oz, fettuccine or penne: Choose your favorite shape to hold the creamy sauce.
- Olive Oil 2 tbsp: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Butter 1 tbsp: Adds richness to the sauce.
Creamy Cajun Sauce
- Cajun Seasoning 1 tbsp, or to taste: A zesty blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and thyme for bold flavor.
- Heavy Cream 1 cup: Creates a smooth, luxurious sauce.
- Chicken Broth 1/2 cup: Adds depth and balances the creaminess.
- Parmesan Cheese 1/2 cup, grated: Brings nutty, salty notes to the sauce.
- Garlic 3 cloves, minced: Enhances the savory aroma.
- Smoked Paprika 1 tsp: Adds a smoky depth.
- Onion Powder 1/2 tsp: Boosts the savory flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper 1/4 tsp, optional: For extra heat, adjust to taste.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: For seasoning.
Garnish
- Fresh Parsley chopped: Adds a burst of color and freshness.
Instructions
1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add fettuccine or penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Sear: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove from skillet, let rest, then slice into strips.
3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season: Stir in smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and additional Cajun seasoning to taste. Add salt and pepper as needed.
- Add Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4: Combine and Toss
- Add Chicken: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
5: Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Plate Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot. Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal.