Description
A delicious and creamy Cajun chicken pasta that brings Southern spice to your dinner table, loved by both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining and setting the pasta aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces. Toss them in a bowl with the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 3-4 minutes while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy!
Notes
Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. Can store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: creamy, Cajun, chicken, pasta, Southern, comfort food, quick dinner