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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A delightful blend of spices and cream that pairs tender chicken with perfectly cooked pasta for a cozy meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Fresh, boneless, skinless chicken works best.
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning Use high-quality for authentic flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape.
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half.
  • 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) Adjust spice level as desired.
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, drain the pasta, and set it aside.
  2. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, additional Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing 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 desired consistency.
  4. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
  5. Serve immediately while hot, and consider pairing it with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken and adjust spice levels according to your taste. Use fresh ingredients for best results.