Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
A delicious pasta dish combining tender chicken and a creamy Cajun sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
- 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- to taste salt (for pasta water)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning (additional for sauce)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- to taste red pepper flakes (optional)
- to taste fresh lemon juice (optional)
- to taste sautéed vegetables (optional)
- to taste shrimp (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
- In a pot, boil salted water and cook your choice of pasta until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. Stir in additional Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, simmering for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to combine. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice before serving.
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Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.