Description
A quick and flavorful creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- Salt for the pasta water
- 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
- Fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, sautéed vegetables, or shrimp (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and rub with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in a hot pan until browned and cooked through. Let it rest before slicing.
- Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, then pour in broth and cream. Simmer until it thickens. Stir in Parmesan.
- Toss sliced chicken and pasta into the sauce. Add pasta water if you need a looser sauce. Heat for a minute to blend. Serve with parsley, lemon, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking and taste the sauce at the end to adjust salt and spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg