Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, tossed with al dente pasta, and enveloped in a luscious, spicy cream sauce made with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy 30-minute dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with optional garnishes like fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice to brighten the bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- Salt, for the pasta water
Cajun Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnishes and Additions
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms)
- Shrimp as chicken substitute
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions (typically 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Toss pasta with a drizzle of olive oil if desired to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for about 1 minute to release flavors. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta to the sauce in the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Add sliced chicken and toss gently to combine all ingredients well.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. For extra heat and brightness, add red pepper flakes and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, spicy Cajun chicken pasta.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood variation.
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutrition and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed; it helps the sauce cling to pasta better.
- Cooking chicken on medium-high heat ensures a nice golden crust without drying out the meat.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
