Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, and coated in a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that can be easily customized with sautéed vegetables or shrimp.
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
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
Garnishes and Optional Add-ins
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 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 the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat 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 the pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil if desired to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and the smoked paprika, allowing the spices to bloom for about 1 minute. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and melted. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Add the sliced chicken and toss again to combine thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired. For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy Cajun chicken pasta.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood twist.
- Add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms to incorporate more texture and nutrients.
- Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Reserve pasta water is important to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
