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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 147 reviews

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a rich and creamy sauce layered with Cajun spices. Served over fettuccine pasta and garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, this meal offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and evenly coat them with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning mix will create a flavorful crust during cooking.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  4. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Combine sauce and cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley for brightness and freshness.
  6. Toss pasta and chicken: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, and add the cooked fettuccine. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta and chicken with the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  7. Serve: Garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan if desired and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the black pepper.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less thick and rich.
  • Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.