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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick and comforting dish packed with bold flavor. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce come together in just 30 minutes. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but delicious enough to serve for guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta & Sauce

  • 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

  • In a bowl, toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

  • Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce slightly thickens.

  • Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.

  • If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

  • Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed.

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Control the heat: Cajun seasoning varies by brand. Start with less and add more if needed.

  • Don’t overcook the chicken: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and stay juicy if removed as soon as they’re done.

  • Use fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly into the sauce.

  • Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if desired (sauce will be slightly thinner).

  • Add veggies: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions.

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta/