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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 144 reviews

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring tender, Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts paired with al dente pasta and a rich, velvety cream sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. This recipe combines bold Cajun spices with a creamy texture, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms
  • Shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood variation

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to infuse flavor evenly throughout the meat.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Remove from skillet and let rest.
  3. Slice the Chicken: After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  4. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  5. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Add Spices: Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to allow spices to bloom and release their flavors.
  7. Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Add Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted, resulting in a creamy, smooth sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce is too thick to achieve desired consistency.
  10. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and mix well so it’s evenly distributed throughout the pasta and sauce.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Optionally add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon for brightness before serving.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help loosen thick sauce and bind it to the pasta better.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste depending on preferred spice level.
  • For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.
  • Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
  • Try shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood variation.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop adding a splash of broth or cream to restore sauce creaminess.

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, chicken pasta recipe, spicy chicken pasta, Cajun seasoning pasta, creamy pasta sauce

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