Description
This Cajun Chicken Pasta is rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced with a homemade garlic butter Parmesan sauce. A comforting and bold dish that’s perfect for any season and ready in under 45 minutes!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- – 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- – 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- – 2 tablespoons olive oil
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Pasta and Sauce:
- – 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- – 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- – 5 cloves garlic, minced
- – 1 cup heavy cream
- – 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- – 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- – 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- – 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- – 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- – 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional Add-Ins:
- – 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- – 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms
- – 1/2 cup baby spinach
Instructions
- 1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and let it rest, then slice thinly.
- 3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- 4. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- 5. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until creamy.
- 6. Add smoked paprika, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if desired. Adjust seasoning.
- 7. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, adding pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- 8. Top with sliced Cajun chicken, sprinkle with parsley, and more Parmesan. Serve warm!
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing the Cajun seasoning.
- Add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 650–700
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 32g
Keywords: Cajun Chicken Pasta, Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe
