Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with al dente pasta and a velvety, spiced cream sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal or a cozy dinner, this recipe balances smoky, spicy, and creamy elements to create an indulgent Southern-inspired pasta dish.
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 like bell peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms
- Shrimp (as substitute for chicken)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. This ensures the chicken will be flavorful throughout.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Slice the Chicken: After resting for a few minutes, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and set aside while you prepare the pasta and sauce.
- Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency later.
- 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 for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Spices: Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, letting the spices bloom in the butter for about 1 minute to intensify their flavors.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in Parmesan: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the Cajun cream sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use some reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Add Chicken: Incorporate the sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce, tossing gently to distribute evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use a high-quality Cajun seasoning for the best flavor or make your own blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.
- Reserve pasta water before draining to adjust sauce thickness and help the sauce cling to pasta.
- Adjust spice level by adding more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Try swapping chicken for shrimp for a seafood variation.
- Add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern American / Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipe, spicy chicken pasta, Cajun seasoning pasta, easy chicken dinner
