Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a rich and flavorful cajun cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Finished with Parmesan cheese and optional fresh herbs and spices, it’s a quick and satisfying dinner for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- Salt, for the pasta water
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
Optional Toppings and Add-ins
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms
- Shrimp (can be used as a substitute for chicken)
Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest briefly, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil if desired to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for about 1 minute to release their flavors. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached. Add the sliced chicken pieces and toss everything together to combine thoroughly.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. For extra heat or brightness, add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp for chicken if preferred.
- Adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms can add flavor and texture.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your heat preference; start with less if sensitive to spice.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoother sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta better.
