Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: A Bold, Flavor-Packed Dinner Recipe
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold and flavorful dinner featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts tossed with pasta in a rich and velvety Cajun cream sauce. This dish combines aromatic garlic, smoky paprika, and a perfect blend of Cajun spices to create a comforting yet slightly spicy pasta meal that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Cajun
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
For the 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)
Optional Garnishes and Variations:
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms
- Shrimp (as chicken substitute)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to infuse them with bold flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest.
- Slice the Chicken: After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and set aside while preparing pasta and sauce.
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, save about 1 cup of pasta cooking water to help adjust sauce consistency later.
- Drain Pasta: Drain pasta and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking; set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the chicken skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Cajun Seasoning and Paprika: Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices and deepen flavor.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to simmer and cook 4-5 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
- Stir in Parmesan Cheese: Add grated Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick for smooth texture.
- Add Chicken: Incorporate sliced chicken into the pasta, mixing gently to distribute evenly.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Optionally, add extra Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful protein.
- Substitute shrimp for chicken to create a seafood variation.
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- For extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the finished dish and balances richness.
- Reserved pasta water is key for adjusting sauce consistency and helping it cling to the pasta.
- Make sure not to burn the garlic when sautéing, as it will turn bitter.
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, Cajun seasoning, easy dinner, spicy pasta, creamy chicken pasta
