Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
A delightful dish that combines rich Cajun flavors with chicken and pasta in a creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- to garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the Cajun spices for 30 minutes before cooking. You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.