Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish with Cajun seasoned chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- Salt, for the pasta water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sautéed vegetables (optional)
Instructions
- Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Add unsalted butter to the same skillet and let it melt over medium heat.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, stirring to combine.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet with the sauce.
- Combine the drained pasta, tossing gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if necessary.
Notes
For added flavor, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun