Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
If you’re in the mood for a delightful and hearty dish, Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with fettuccine pasta in a rich, creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings a taste of Southern comfort right to your kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to try Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. First and foremost, it’s bursting with flavor thanks to the blend of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and smoky paprika. The creamy sauce adds a luscious texture that perfectly complements the pasta and chicken. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also relatively easy to make, making it a great option for both novice and experienced cooks. Plus, the beautiful presentation makes it an impressive dish for dinner guests.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Creating this dish is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps to enjoy a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a cutting board to rest.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package directions, draining and reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, for desired consistency.
- Stir in chopped parsley and lemon juice, then add the sliced chicken on top.
- Toss everything together and serve immediately.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
For a beautiful presentation, plate the pasta and top it with sliced chicken. Garnish with additional parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s consistency.
Tips to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the dish for added nutrition.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with grilled vegetables and use vegetable broth.
- Seafood Twist: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a delicious seafood version.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for gluten intolerances.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, other pasta types like penne or rigatoni can be used, but cooking times may vary.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the pasta and chicken just before serving.
3. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount or use a milder blend.
Enjoy making your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta and savor the delicious flavors it brings to your table!
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a cutting board to rest.
Preparing the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package directions, draining and reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, for desired consistency.
- Stir in chopped parsley and lemon juice, then add the sliced chicken on top.
- Toss everything together and serve immediately.
