Description
A rich and creamy Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts coated in a flavorful blend of spices, tossed with al dente pasta in a luscious cream sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and Cajun seasonings. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and savoriness ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta (or your choice of pasta)
- Salt for pasta water
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional for extra spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the Spice Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to create the spice rub for the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the prepared spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- Start the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning (if using), red pepper flakes, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Slice the Chicken: While the sauce simmers, slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
- Add Chicken to Pasta: Incorporate the sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce mixture. Toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Plate the Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Use any pasta shape you prefer; penne works well to hold the creamy sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain its juices and keep it tender.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but sauce will be less rich.
