Description
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with Cajun spices, seared to perfection, and tossed with al dente pasta in a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Optional add-ins like sautéed vegetables or shrimp make it customizable to your taste.
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 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
Optional Garnishes and Add-ins
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms)
- Shrimp (can be used as a chicken substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts 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 brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Optionally toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to let the spices bloom. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 4-5 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Add the sliced chicken pieces and toss everything together to combine well.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese 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 different protein option.
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melted texture and taste.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your liking.
