Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken with a rich, zesty sauce to create a satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing your guests at dinner parties. With its bold flavors from Cajun seasoning and a creamy texture that clings to every strand of pasta, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enhance the dish with sautéed vegetables or shrimp for a delightful twist, making it versatile enough for any occasion.
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 (optional)
- Sautéed vegetables (optional)
- Shrimp (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 6-7 minutes per side). Remove and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika; stir for another minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce, adding sliced chicken and Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, toss in sautéed bell peppers or spinach when combining pasta with the sauce. Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning used.