Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta blends bold Cajun spices with a rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, making it a quick yet indulgent one-pan meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and let rest.
- Lower heat, add butter to the skillet, and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until sauce thickens and smooths out.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the pasta and toss everything together until well coated in sauce.
- If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Swap chicken with shrimp or sausage for variety.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Gluten-free pasta works well as a substitute.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
