Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
A flavorful and creamy pasta dish featuring seasoned chicken, rich sauce, and vibrant ingredients, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Seasoned with Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the chicken
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning For flavoring the chicken
- Salt and pepper To taste
For the Pasta
- 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti Your choice of pasta
- Salt For the pasta water
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter For sautéing garlic
- 4 cloves garlic, minced For flavor
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika For additional flavor
- 1 cup heavy cream To create a creamy sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth To enhance sauce flavor
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese For richness
Optional Add-ins
- Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
- Red pepper flakes For added heat
- Fresh lemon juice For brightness
- Sautéed vegetables Customize with your choice
- Shrimp Optional protein substitute
Instructions
Preparation of Chicken
- Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot, boil salted water and add the pasta.
- Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain, reserving a cup of pasta water.
Making the Cajun Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in more Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
- Let simmer until thickened, then add Parmesan.
Combining Ingredients
- Add drained pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing everything together.
- Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Serve with parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
Notes
Enhance flavor with a squeeze of lemon juice. Customize by swapping chicken for shrimp or adding sautéed veggies.