Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Your New Weeknight Favorite

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that turns any weeknight dinner into a crowd-pleasing delight.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Cajun, Italian

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 pieces Chicken breasts Substitution: Chicken thighs can be used for more flavor.
2 tablespoons Olive oil Can use vegetable oil if preferred.

For the Pasta

12 ounces Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti) Any similar pasta can be used based on preference.

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons Unsalted butter Can use salted butter but adjust added salt accordingly.
3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is recommended; avoid garlic powder for best flavor.
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Homemade Cajun seasoning can be prepared if preferred.
1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Regular paprika can be substituted but will lack the smokiness.
1 cup Heavy cream For a lighter version, use half-and-half or coconut cream.
1 cup Chicken broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Use a different hard cheese if not available.
to taste Salt Important to taste for balance.
to taste Pepper Important to taste for balance.

For Garnish

2 tablespoons Fresh parsley Not necessary but enhances presentation.

Equipment

Large Skillet
Large Pot
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove, slice, and set aside.
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining, toss pasta with olive oil and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons of butter, sauté 3 minced garlic cloves until fragrant. Add 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, then pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup chicken broth. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, toss well to combine. If too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Transfer Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 40gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Adjust spice levels as needed.

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