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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with peppers and herbs in a bowl

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A delicious blend of tangy Cajun spices and rich cream, this creamy pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing the chicken
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning more seasonings if desired
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the pasta
  • 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti any pasta of your choice
  • Salt for pasta water
For the sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for sautéing garlic
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning additional seasoning for the sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes (optional) for extra spice
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional) for flavor
Optional ingredients
  • Sautéed vegetables (optional) bell peppers or zucchini
  • Shrimp (optional) for added protein

Method
 

Cooking Chicken
  1. Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  4. Remove from heat and let it rest.
Cooking Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
  2. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside, but keep a cup of pasta water for later use.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
  4. Slowly add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens.
  5. Add the Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts beautifully into a sauce.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Slice the rested chicken and return it to the skillet.
  2. Toss in the cooked pasta, ensuring every strand is coated in the sauce.
  3. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  4. Finish off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of parsley, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Can freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream or broth for best texture.