Description
A flavorful and quick one-pot dish featuring tender chicken, creamy Cajun sauce, and pasta, perfect for impressing family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Fresh lemon juice (to taste)
- Sautéed vegetables or shrimp (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside to rest before slicing.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, add your pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in an extra tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer to thicken slightly.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the sliced chicken. Toss until well-coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed for a silkier sauce. Finish with Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
For best results, serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Cajun pasta, chicken pasta, creamy pasta, one-pot meal, quick dinner