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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: A Bold, Flavor-Packed Dinner Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: A Bold, Flavor-Packed Dinner Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 10 reviews

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold and flavorful dinner recipe featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, tossed with al dente pasta and coated in a rich, velvety sauce made from heavy cream, butter, garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. This dish offers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, making it a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
  • Salt, for pasta water

For the Sauce:

  • 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, for garnish)

Optional Garnishes and Variations:

  • Red pepper flakes, for added heat
  • Fresh lemon juice, for brightness
  • Sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms
  • Shrimp as an alternative to chicken

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove from skillet and let rest, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and optionally toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, cooking for another minute to bloom the spices. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and toss to combine everything evenly. Remove from heat.
  5. Finish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an optional sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs or shrimp for different flavors.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your heat preference.
  • Reserving pasta water is key to achieving a smooth, well-bound sauce.
  • Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving adds a nice balance to the creamy sauce.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, spicy chicken pasta, Cajun seasoning recipe, creamy pasta dinner, easy chicken pasta

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-a-bold-flavor-packed-dinner-recipe/