Description
A vibrant and flavor-packed dinner featuring tender chicken coated in Cajun spices and creamy sauce over pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- Salt, for the pasta water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh lemon juice (for serving)
- Sautéed vegetables (optional)
- Shrimp (optional)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop your garlic, grate the Parmesan, and have everything ready to go.
- Boil the pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Save ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.
- Create the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Stir in more Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
- Pour in the cream: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Combine everything: Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet with the pasta. Toss together, adding sautéed vegetables if desired.
- Finishing touches: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta and garnish with parsley if using before serving.
Notes
Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add more vegetables to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: pasta, Cajun chicken, creamy pasta, quick dinner, weekday meal