Description
A flavorful and creamy Cajun chicken pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz 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 cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh lemon juice (for serving)
- Sautéed vegetables (optional)
- Shrimp (optional substitution for chicken)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from skillet and let it rest before slicing.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring until combined. Simmer for a few minutes, then add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth.
- Toss cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce, mixing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Notes
Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon juice for added brightness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg