Description
A rich and flavorful pasta dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and bold Cajun spices, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- Salt, for the pasta water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sautéed vegetables (optional)
- Shrimp (optional, as a substitute for chicken)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pan used for the chicken, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Then, add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir and let simmer until the sauce thickens. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce and toss until well-coated. Adjust seasoning as desired.
Notes
Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice when serving. This dish can also be made with shrimp as a variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cajun pasta, creamy pasta, chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food