Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta features tender chicken breast seasoned with bold Cajun spices, tossed with fettuccine pasta in a rich, creamy sauce made from garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese. This flavorful dish is a perfect weeknight meal that combines spicy, creamy, and cheesy elements to create a satisfying and comforting pasta experience.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasonings
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Stir in smoked paprika, oregano, and thyme.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it slightly thickens. Then, gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- You can use penne or linguine pasta as an alternative to fettuccine.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave to avoid curdling the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
