Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
A delightful dish combining succulent chicken, zesty Cajun spices, and a creamy sauce with pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta Penne holds the sauce well, but fettuccine provides a luxurious experience.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is recommended over powdered.
- 1 cup heavy cream For lighter version, you can substitute with almond or coconut 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)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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 before draining, then set aside.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet 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.
- Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper as necessary.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.