Print

Creamy Cajun Pasta with Chicken

A fork lifts fettuccine noodles coated in rich sauce from a plate of Creamy Cajun Pasta with Chicken and Spice.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make a rich and spicy restaurant-style creamy Cajun pasta dish featuring seasoned chicken.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend (adjust for spice preference)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces dry pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
  2. Season the cut chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and the Cajun seasoning blend.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  8. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  9. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. Adjust the spice level by adding more Cajun seasoning during the chicken seasoning step or by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Notes

  • For a milder dish, use only 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning or use a low-sodium blend.
  • For extra heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce base.
  • You can substitute smoked sausage for half of the chicken for added flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hungryhearld.com/creamy-cajun-pasta-with-chicken-and-spice/