Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender, spicy chicken breasts with a rich, flavorful Cajun cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy and delicious meal packed with bold Southern-inspired flavors and a smooth, cheesy finish. Optional additions like sautéed vegetables or shrimp offer versatile customizations to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Cajun Cream 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 (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms)
- Shrimp (as chicken substitute)
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. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest briefly, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Optionally toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: Using the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, allowing the spices to bloom for about 1 minute. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 4-5 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce in the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached. Then add the sliced chicken pieces and toss to combine well.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the pasta with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. For extra flavor, garnish with red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood variant of this dish.
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the red pepper flakes garnish.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best melting texture and flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
