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. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and spicy dish ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 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
Cajun Cream 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 Garnishes and Additions
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms)
- Shrimp (as chicken substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare the 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 and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. Toss with a little olive oil if desired to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: Using the same skillet as the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, letting the spices bloom for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce in the skillet, tossing to coat well. If the sauce is too thick, incorporate reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency. Add the sliced chicken and toss to combine evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, then sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. For added flair, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood variation.
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount to your preferred spice level.
