Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and hearty dish that combines tender, spiced chicken breast with al dente pasta in a bold, creamy sauce infused with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The spicy and smoky flavors perfectly balance the creamy texture, making it a flavorful and indulgent meal ideal for weeknights or special occasions.
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 for added heat
- Fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish
- Sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms
- Shrimp as a chicken substitute
Instructions
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 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 the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and optionally toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cajun Cream Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stir well, and simmer for 4-5 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency. Add the sliced chicken and toss until distributed evenly through the pasta.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately with optional sides like garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to avoid overcooking and dryness.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it adhere to the pasta.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to control spiciness level to your preference.
- To make gluten-free, simply substitute the pasta with a gluten-free variety.
- For an added burst of freshness, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished dish before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun chicken recipe, creamy pasta, spicy pasta dish, one-pan dinner, quick cajun pasta, easy chicken pasta, smoky pasta
