Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta – Quick and Delicious
Short introduction
Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta is a mouthwatering dish that brings together tender chicken, flavorful Cajun spices, and a sweet honey butter cream sauce. This pasta dish not only satisfies your hunger but also tantalizes your taste buds with its perfect blend of spice and sweetness. Whether you’re cooking for family or a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why you’ll love it
This dish is fantastic for many reasons. First, it’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. The Cajun seasoning adds a kick, while the honey balances it out with a touch of sweetness, creating a delightful contrast. Plus, the creamy sauce wraps around the pasta beautifully, making every bite rich and satisfying. It’s also customizable, so you can tweak it to fit your taste.
Ingredients
To make Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta, you will need:
- 8 oz fettuccine (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Substitutions & key variations
If you’re looking to modify this recipe, here are some ideas:
- Protein: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even a different cut of chicken like thighs.
- Pasta: While fettuccine is recommended, any kind of pasta works well, such as penne or spaghetti.
- Dairy-Free: To make it dairy-free, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit the butter.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder alternative.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Once done, drain the pasta, but remember to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season the diced chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Next, stir in the honey and let it simmer gently for about a minute. After that, pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, which should take around 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the seared chicken to the skillet and toss it to coat in the delicious sauce. Add the cooked pasta and mix everything gently until the noodles are well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot. Enjoy this delightful dish warm!
Success tips
- Temperature: Cook pasta al dente, as it will continue to soften when combined with the sauce.
- Texture: Ensure the sauce is creamy and not too thick. Adjust as needed with reserved pasta water.
- Common mistakes: Avoid overcooking the chicken, as this can make it dry. Stir the sauce regularly to prevent it from sticking or burning.
How to serve
This dish can be served as a main course, paired with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner. A sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning on top can enhance the flavor for those who prefer more heat.
Storage & reheating
Leftover Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to help restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this pasta dish in advance?
Yes, you can cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine just before serving.
Q2: Is this dish spicy?
The Cajun seasoning gives it a nice kick, but you can adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Q3: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed and cooked thoroughly before adding to the dish.
Q4: What sides pair well with this pasta?
A fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables complements this pasta dish nicely.
Q5: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This recipe is rich in protein and provides a decent amount of carbohydrates from the pasta. By making some simple substitutions, you can easily lower the calories or make it healthier to fit your dietary needs.
Conclusion + CTA
Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta is a simple yet hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its quick preparation and delicious flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Why not give it a try tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!
Links to related recipes
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus
- Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Sauce
Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz fettuccine (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning Season to taste
- to taste Salt and pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ cup heavy cream
- optional Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Once done, drain the pasta, but remember to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Season the diced chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
- Next, stir in the honey and let it simmer gently for about a minute. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, which should take around 2-3 minutes.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet and toss it to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and mix everything gently until the noodles are well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.