Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Get ready for a flavor explosion with this Creamy Cajun Chicken and Pasta Recipe. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers a perfectly balanced, smoky-spicy sauce clinging to tender chicken and pasta. After extensive testing, I’ve refined the spice blend to ensure it’s bold but not overwhelming, making this a foolproof favorite for any night of the week.
PrintCreamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl—heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
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