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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 65 reviews

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to perfection and tossed with pasta in a rich, creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices, smoked paprika, garlic, and Parmesan. This dish offers a perfect balance of bold spice and velvety texture, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
  • Salt, for the pasta water

Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely seared. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and cook for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  4. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Incorporate Cheese and Adjust Sauce: Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin it out to your desired consistency.
  6. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips. Add the drained pasta and chicken to the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture and flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
  • To make it spicier, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Use gluten-free pasta if you want a gluten-free version of this dish.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid breaking the sauce.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich.

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Cajun seasoning pasta, spicy chicken pasta, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe/