Print

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Print Recipe

A bold, flavor-packed dinner featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce infused with spicy Cajun seasoning.

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 (for the sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (to taste)
  • Fresh lemon juice (to taste)
  • Sautéed vegetables (optional)
  • Shrimp (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. Season and cook the chicken by pounding to an even thickness, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Sauté in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Sauté the garlic in the same skillet after removing the chicken, for about 30 seconds.
  4. Create the sauce by adding Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, followed by heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer until slightly thickened.
  5. Add cheese and sliced chicken to the sauce, mixing until smooth.
  6. Combine with the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  7. Finish with lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes before serving.

Notes

This dish can be customized with sautéed veggies or shrimp for added flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the dish just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, dinner recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://peakplatter.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-bold-flavor-packed-dinner/