Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta
A comforting dish that combines the heat of Cajun spices with sweet honey in a buttery sauce, served over pasta, promising bold flavors that will impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces Can substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- 1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust based on spice preference.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons butter Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Freshly grated is preferred for better melt.
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, linguine, or rigatoni)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking chicken.
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Optional for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well-coated.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer.
- Sear chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden-brown, then set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add butter until melted.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Pour in honey and stir with additional Cajun seasoning to taste, simmering for a couple of minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan until combined and melted.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
Cooking Pasta
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and add to the skillet, folding everything together.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with optional crusty bread.
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Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding milk or cream if needed.