Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 8 ounces fettuccine pasta; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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why make this recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun spices with a rich and creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress your guests. This dish is filling and comforting, making it a favorite for pasta lovers. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.

how to make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
While the oil heats, season both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet. Let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
While the sauce simmers, cook the fettuccine pasta according to package directions.
Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips.
Add the drained fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta.
Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

how to serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta hot, straight from the skillet. You can sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley on top for a nice touch. It pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

how to store Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

To store Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

tips to make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

For an extra kick, you can add more Cajun seasoning or some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Add some vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the dish for added nutrition and flavor.

variation

You can easily customize this dish by swapping chicken for shrimp or sausage. Each protein offers a distinctly tasty twist on the classic recipe. You can also try using a different type of pasta, like penne or rigatoni, for a fun change.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta besides fettuccine?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Penne, rotini, or spaghetti all work well.

2. How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just combine them and heat before serving.

3. What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Enjoy this delicious and comforting dish that brings the flavors of the South right to your table!