Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender, spiced chicken breasts with a rich, creamy sauce coated over perfectly cooked fettuccine. This recipe uses a blend of Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika to add a spicy kick balanced by creamy Parmesan and fresh parsley, making a perfect hearty meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture thoroughly over the chicken breasts to coat them evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice sear. Remove from the skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet used for chicken, reduce the heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Add lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley, stirring well. Return sliced chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Mix with Pasta and Serve: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Cajun sauce and chicken. Serve immediately garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- If heavy cream is not available, substitute with half-and-half but expect a slightly thinner sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- To lighten the recipe, reduce butter and use reduced-fat dairy products, but this will alter the creaminess.
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Cajun seasoning, fettuccine pasta recipe, spicy creamy pasta