Description

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe combines perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with a rich, flavorful Cajun cream sauce tossed with tender pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and spicy dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The sauce is enhanced with garlic, smoked paprika, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of chicken broth, making every bite indulgently creamy and delicious.

Ingredients

Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
Salt, for the pasta water

Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnishes and Add-ins

Fresh parsley, chopped
Red pepper flakes (to taste)
Fresh lemon juice
Sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms)
Shrimp (as chicken substitute)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of 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 and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Pasta: 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 al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil if desired to prevent sticking.
Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: Using the same skillet that cooked the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, letting the spices bloom for about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and stir to combine. Simmer the sauce for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce, tossing well to coat all noodles. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and toss to combine evenly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor. Serve immediately for best taste and enjoy your creamy, spicy Cajun chicken pasta!

Notes

You can substitute shrimp for chicken if preferred; cook shrimp quickly in the skillet before making the sauce.
For added vegetables, sauté bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms and add them in when combining pasta and chicken.
Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency—this starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta perfectly.
This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture of the sauce.