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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 66 reviews

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and indulgent dish that pairs tender, spicy chicken with a rich, creamy Cajun-inspired sauce. The chicken is perfectly seared with Cajun seasoning, then combined with al dente pasta and a velvety sauce made from butter, garlic, smoked paprika, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Finished with fresh parsley, this dish offers the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors that’s sure to satisfy any pasta lover.

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

For the 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 for added heat
  • Fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish
  • Sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms
  • Shrimp, as a substitute for chicken

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to ensure a well-rounded spicy flavor throughout.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the skillet and let rest.
  3. Slice the Chicken: Once rested, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  4. Boil the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
  5. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, save about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
  6. Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta and toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking; set aside.
  7. 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, careful not to burn.
  8. Add Spices: Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, letting the spices bloom for about 1 minute to deepen their flavor in the butter.
  9. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  10. Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun seasoning as needed.
  11. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  12. Add Sliced Chicken: Return sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together to evenly distribute the chicken throughout the pasta.
  13. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use a high-quality Cajun seasoning or make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano for the best flavor.
  • Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and keep it juicy.
  • Reserve pasta water to help thicken the sauce and ensure it clings well to the pasta.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
  • For variations, you can swap chicken for shrimp or add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
  • Use gluten-free pasta if needed for dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta, spicy chicken pasta, easy pasta dinner, stovetop chicken pasta

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