Description
A delightful dish that combines tender chicken coated in Cajun seasoning served on creamy pasta, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or gatherings.
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 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)
- Shrimp (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and let it rest.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and pasta, cooking according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, followed by heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Slice the rested chicken breast and add it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if you’d like a thinner sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Notes
For added flavor, consider incorporating sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cajun, chicken, pasta, creamy, quick dinner