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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 10 reviews

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious, bold dinner combining tender, spiced chicken with al dente pasta and a rich, creamy Cajun-inspired sauce. This dish features perfectly seared chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, tossed with pasta in a velvety sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. It strikes a perfect balance between smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors, delivering an indulgent and satisfying meal that's easy to prepare in about 30 minutes.

  • Author: Zara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

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 flavor
  • Sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms
  • Shrimp as chicken substitute for seafood twist

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to ensure full flavor throughout.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove and let rest.
  3. Slice the Chicken: After resting, slice chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil, cook pasta according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta. Optionally toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
  6. Add Spices: Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika into the butter and garlic, cooking 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  7. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stir to combine. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan until fully melted and sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as desired.
  9. Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in creamy sauce. Use reserved pasta water to thin sauce if needed for desired consistency.
  10. Add Chicken: Add sliced chicken to pasta and sauce, toss gently to distribute evenly.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot for a comforting, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
  • Use any pasta shape you prefer; penne and fettuccine hold the sauce well.
  • Reserve pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning amount to your preferred spice level.
  • Add sautéed vegetables for more nutrition and texture variability.
  • For a seafood twist, replace chicken with shrimp cooked similarly.
  • Fresh lemon juice squeezed over before serving brightens flavors and balances richness.

Find it online: https://zaracooking.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe/