Description
A quick and delicious weeknight meal featuring tender chicken and a rich, spicy cream sauce over pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz pasta (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
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sautéed vegetables (optional)
- Shrimp (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Let it rest.
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Make the Cajun cream sauce by melting butter in the same skillet, adding garlic and sautéing until fragrant. Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cream, and chicken broth. Simmer for 3-5 minutes before adding Parmesan cheese.
- Combine the pasta and chicken with the sauce, mixing well. Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water, if needed. Season with more salt, red pepper flakes, and finish with lemon juice and parsley.
Notes
Serve hot with a side salad or crusty bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, family meal, weeknight recipe