Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
A delightful and hearty dish combining tender chicken breasts with fettuccine pasta in a rich, creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
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.
Notes
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. 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.