Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish combining tender, spiced chicken with a rich and creamy Cajun sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make recipe features a smoky, spicy, and savory blend of Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
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
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms)
- Shrimp (as chicken substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning on both sides for bold flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken and let it rest, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time for desired consistency. Add sliced chicken and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful chicken.
- Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce to the pasta better.
- You can substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood variation.
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances rich creaminess.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning level according to your spice tolerance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Sautéing and boiling
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun chicken pasta recipe, creamy pasta, spicy pasta, Cajun seasoning pasta, easy dinner recipes, chicken pasta dinner
