Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender, Cajun-seasoned chicken with a rich, velvety cream sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Paired with perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe offers a delightful balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors, making it an ideal quick and satisfying weeknight 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 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 chicken substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove and let rest, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: 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. Drain pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the sauce in the skillet, tossing to coat well. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Add sliced chicken and toss gently to combine. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances richness.
- Try sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to add color and nutrients.
- Shrimp can be substituted for chicken for a seafood variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipe, spicy chicken pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce, Parmesan pasta
