Description
A delightful and creamy pasta dish that combines Cajun spices with rich, velvety sauce, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- Salt, for the pasta water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Fresh lemon juice (to taste)
- Sautéed vegetables (optional)
- Shrimp (optional substitution for chicken)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and let rest.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt, and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, then add heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing well. Let simmer until thickened, then add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Slice the rested chicken and add it along with the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat well. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of lemon juice if desired.
Notes
For a seafood twist, substitute chicken with shrimp. Add sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cajun pasta, creamy pasta, chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, one pot meal