Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with a rich and spicy Cajun-inspired cream sauce. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices, then sautéed to golden perfection. It’s then tossed with pasta and a creamy sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, and a bit of heat from Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne. The result is a creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy pasta that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra parmesan for the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are quick to cook and absorb the Cajun seasoning well. You could also use thighs for more flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the chicken. Olive oil adds a mild flavor and helps sear the chicken evenly.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: This is the key to the dish’s bold flavor. You can either use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own blend.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and ensuring it has enough flavor.
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti: Any long or short pasta will work, but penne and fettuccine are great choices for creamy sauces.
- Salt, for the pasta water: Seasoning the pasta water enhances the flavor of the pasta.
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: The butter forms the base of the creamy sauce, adding richness and flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Adding Cajun seasoning to the sauce intensifies the dish’s flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: For a smoky flavor that complements the Cajun seasoning and adds depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heavy cream makes the sauce velvety and rich, balancing the heat from the Cajun spices.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Chicken broth adds a savory base to the sauce and helps thin it out slightly for a smoother texture.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, umami depth to the sauce, making it extra flavorful.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For garnish and added freshness.
Optional Garnishes and Variations:
- Red pepper flakes: For an extra kick of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
- Fresh lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon just before serving will brighten the dish and balance the richness.
- Sautéed vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Shrimp: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist on this Cajun pasta.
Instructions
First Step: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning on both sides. This will ensure that the chicken is flavorful throughout.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
- Slice the Chicken: After the chicken has rested for a few minutes, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces. Set it aside while you prepare the pasta and sauce.
Second Step: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water. The starchy pasta water will help thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
- Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta and set it aside. You can toss it with a small amount of olive oil to keep it from sticking together while you make the sauce.
Third Step: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the Cajun Seasoning and Paprika: Add the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the spices bloom in the butter for 1 minute. This step enhances the depth of the seasoning.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine, making sure the spices are well mixed into the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in Parmesan Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed.
Fourth Step: Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
- Add the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Cajun cream sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated with the creamy mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out and create a smoother consistency.
- Add the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for a cheesier finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 40g