Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Print-Friendly Version)
Tender chicken and pasta tossed in creamy, smoky Cajun sauce finished with parmesan and herbs.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ For the Chicken
01 -
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
03 -
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
04 -
Salt, to taste
05 -
Black pepper, to taste
→ For the Pasta
06 -
12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
07 -
Salt, for pasta water
→ For the Sauce
08 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
10 -
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
11 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 -
1 cup heavy cream
13 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
14 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 -
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
→ Optional Garnishes
16 -
Red pepper flakes, to taste
17 -
Fresh lemon juice, to taste
18 -
Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
# How to Make It:
01 -
Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and sear 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and let rest.
02 -
After resting for several minutes, cut the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
03 -
While the chicken is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook per package instructions, approximately 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
04 -
Drain cooked pasta and set aside. If desired, toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
05 -
In the same skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until aromatic but not browned. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, letting spices bloom for 1 minute.
06 -
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 -
Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat thoroughly in the sauce. Add chicken slices, distributing evenly. If the sauce is too thick, adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
08 -
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately, adding red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to taste.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For added flavor and nutrition, incorporate sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms. For a seafood variation, substitute chicken with peeled and deveined shrimp.