Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, bold Cajun spices, and a rich cream sauce for a comforting, flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
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
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Optional Garnishes and Variations:
Red pepper flakes
Fresh lemon juice
Sautéed vegetables
Shrimp
Instructions
1. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side. Rest, then slice.
3. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain.
4. Melt butter in skillet. Sauté garlic 1–2 minutes.
5. Add Cajun seasoning and paprika. Stir to bloom spices.
6. Pour in cream and broth. Simmer 4–5 minutes until thickened.
7. Stir in Parmesan until sauce is smooth.
8. Add pasta and toss in sauce. Use pasta water if needed.
9. Add sliced chicken, toss, and garnish with parsley.
10. Serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For added spice, sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
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