Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Short Introduction

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a deliciously bold dish that combines the creamy goodness of pasta with the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning. This meal is perfect for any night of the week when you’re craving something rich and flavorful. With its simple preparation and satisfying taste, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love It

This recipe is not just delightful but also beneficial for several reasons. First, it offers a blend of flavors that excite your taste buds, thanks to the Cajun spices and creamy sauce. Second, it’s a quick dinner solution that can be ready in under 30 minutes. Third, you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or even switching out the chicken for shrimp. It’s a complete meal that hits all the right notes!

Ingredients

• 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
• Fresh lemon juice
• Sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms (optional)
• Shrimp as a chicken substitute (optional)

Substitutions & Key Variations

• Chicken: You can use shrimp instead of chicken for a lighter dish.
• Pasta Type: Feel free to swap the pasta with your favorite shape—penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work well.
• Vegetables: Add your choice of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach to amp up the nutrition and flavor.
• Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning on both sides. This helps to lock in flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and let it rest.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is resting, boil a big pot of salted water. Add 12 oz of your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the rest.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and melt it over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Mix in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, cooking for another minute.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of chicken broth. Stir the mixture and let it simmer for about 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into a creamy sauce.

Step 6: Mix It All Together

Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing to coat each piece with the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water if needed to thin out the sauce. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and mix everything well.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, more Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright finish.

Success Tips

• Cooking Temperature: Always ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken, which helps achieve a nice sear.
• Texture: The sauce should be creamy but not too thick. Adjust using reserved pasta water if necessary.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid burning the garlic; keep an eye on it while sautéing, as it can quickly turn bitter.

How to Serve

Serve the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to revive the creaminess. You can also microwave it in short intervals until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead and combine them with the sauce just before serving.

2. Is this recipe spicy?
   The spice level can vary depending on the Cajun seasoning you use. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference.

3. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
   Absolutely! Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach can easily be included for added flavor and nutrition.

4. Is it okay to use a different type of pasta?
   Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like, making it versatile for whatever you have on hand.

5. How do I make this dish vegetarian?
   You can switch out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Nutrition Notes / Equivalents

This dish is hearty and provides a balanced meal with protein from chicken and healthy fats from cream and cheese. To make it lighter, consider reducing the amount of cream used or substituting with a plant-based alternative.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a simple yet delightful dish that brings flavors right to your dining table in no time. Its easy preparation makes it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights, while its delicious taste makes it suitable for special occasions too! Try making it tonight, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends.

Links to Related Recipes

• Spicy Shrimp Alfredo
• One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
• Cajun Grilled Shrimp Tacos
• Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A deliciously bold dish that combines creamy pasta with the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning, perfect for a quick family meal.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Cajun

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

  

Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Can substitute with shrimp for a lighter dish.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil For frying the chicken.
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Use more or less depending on desired spice level.

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients

• 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti Any pasta shape will work.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter For making the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced For flavoring the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Additional seasoning for the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or plant-based cream for a lighter version.
• ½ cup chicken broth Can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) For garnish.
• Red pepper flakes For added heat if desired.
• Fresh lemon juice For a bright finish.
• Sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms (optional) Optional for added nutrition and flavor.
• Shrimp as a chicken substitute (optional)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning on both sides.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and let it rest.
• While the chicken is resting, boil a pot of salted water. Add 12 oz of chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the rest.

Cooking the Sauce

• In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and melt it over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Mix in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, cooking for another minute.
• Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of chicken broth. Let it simmer for about 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce.

Combining Ingredients

• Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing to coat each piece with the sauce.
• Use the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed.
• Add sliced chicken back into the skillet and mix everything well.

Garnishing and Serving

• Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley, more Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Notes

For best results, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear. Adjust the sauce texture using reserved pasta water if necessary. Watch the garlic while sautéing to prevent burning it.

Keyword Cajun Chicken Pasta, creamy pasta, Family Recipe, quick dinner, Spicy Pasta