Description
A delicious one-pan meal that features the bold flavors of Cajun spices combined with a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners and 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 large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked. Let rest and slice.
- In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water and drain.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, then add heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted, then combine the drained pasta and sliced chicken with the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water and add lemon juice before serving.
Notes
Customize the dish by adding vegetables or substituting chicken with shrimp. Serve with garlic bread and enjoy a refreshing drink on the side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken, creamy pasta, quick dinner, one-pan recipe, flavorful pasta