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