Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken breast served over pasta tossed in a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe balances spice and creaminess with optional fresh parsley and a hint of lemon to brighten the flavors.
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
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 Add-ins
- 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 and Cook 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 brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Toss with a little olive oil if desired to prevent sticking.
- Make Cajun Cream Sauce: Using the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant without browning. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, letting the spices bloom for about 1 minute. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Protein: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, tossing well to evenly coat the noodles. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is achieved. Add the sliced chicken pieces and toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. For an extra kick, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta warm and creamy.
Notes
- For variation, substitute chicken with sautéed shrimp or add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Letting chicken rest after cooking helps keep it juicy and tender.
