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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with colorful vegetables and herbs on a plate.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A spicy yet creamy pasta dish that blends Cajun flavors with succulent chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking chicken
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning for seasoning chicken
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the pasta
  • 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti choose your preferred pasta
  • Salt for the pasta water
For the sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for making the sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning for flavor enhancement
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional toppings
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes to add heat
  • Fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor
  • Sautéed vegetables for added nutrition
  • Shrimp optional protein addition

Method
 

Prepare the chicken
  1. Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
Cook the pasta
  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente.
  2. Drain and remember to save some pasta water for later.
Make the Cajun cream sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika to enhance the flavor.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, letting it simmer until the sauce thickens.
  4. Stir in the Parmesan until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Combine everything
  1. Slice the rested chicken and add it back to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta.
  2. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  3. Finish off with a squeeze of lemon juice, and sprinkle with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for an extra kick if you wish.

Notes

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For long-term storage, this pasta dish can be frozen for up to a month. Just reheat it gently to maintain the creamy texture.