Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is bold, spicy, and ultra-creamy. A quick and easy one-pan meal that’s better than restaurant versions!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or fettuccine/spaghetti)
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling pasta)
For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional, adds a fresh touch)
For Garnishing:
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon salt.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes for penne).
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce.
-
Season and Cook the Chicken:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
-
Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
-
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet.
- Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Stir in lemon juice (if using) and adjust seasoning if needed.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and cherry tomatoes for freshness.
- Top with extra Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta!
Notes
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep it juicy by cooking just until done.
- Adjust the Heat Level: Start with less Cajun seasoning and add more if needed.
- Toss Pasta in the Sauce: This helps the pasta absorb all the flavors.
- Reserve Pasta Water: It helps loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 20minutes