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Creamy Cajun chicken pasta with vegetables in a bowl

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A comforting and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, creamy Cajun sauce over your choice of pasta.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Adjust based on spice tolerance.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti Any pasta shape can be used.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup heavy cream Select high-fat content for creaminess.
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Sautéed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, onions, or spinach, optional) Add for extra flavor.
  • Shrimp (optional) Add for additional protein.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 7-8 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  3. Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the pasta.
  2. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining and setting the pasta aside.
Making the Cajun Cream Sauce
  1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for an additional minute.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Slice the rested chicken and add it back to the pan with the Cajun cream sauce.
  2. Toss in the drained pasta and mix everything well. If the sauce needs thinning, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or chicken broth.