Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: A Bold, Flavor-Packed Dinner
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine right to your dinner table. This recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with a rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or family gatherings. In just 30 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a cozy dinner at home, this pasta dish is sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Cajun seasoning (to taste)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms) for added flavor and nutrition
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté the Chicken: Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove from skillet.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add more Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, then stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer gently.
- Combine: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well-coated.
- Serve: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, and optional red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg