Description
A comforting dish that combines bold Cajun flavors with creamy textures, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 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, for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Fresh lemon juice (to taste)
- Sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms optional)
- Shrimp (optional for substitution)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Sprinkle in the additional Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute.
- Combine: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring until combined. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, incorporate some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, use fresh ingredients and consider serving with crusty garlic bread or a light green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cajun, pasta, chicken recipe, creamy pasta, quick dinner