Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ For the Pasta

07 - 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
08 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 cup heavy cream
11 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
13 - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
14 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ For Garnish

16 - Fresh parsley, chopped
17 - Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens slightly.
04 - Add cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Notes:

01 - Can adjust Cajun seasoning to taste
02 - Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency
03 - Best served immediately while hot
04 - Pairs well with garlic bread or green salad