Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Print-Friendly Version)

Tender chicken, Cajun spices, and creamy sauce tossed with pasta for a bold, flavor-packed meal in thirty minutes.

# Ingredients List:

→ Chicken Preparation

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
04 - Salt, to taste
05 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Pasta Base

06 - 340 grams pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
07 - Salt, for pasta water

→ Cajun Cream Sauce

08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 240 millilitres heavy cream
13 - 120 millilitres chicken broth
14 - 25 grams grated Parmesan cheese

→ Garnish and Finishing Options

15 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
16 - Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
17 - Fresh lemon juice, to taste (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Evenly season chicken breasts on both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 74°C). Transfer rested chicken to a cutting board and slice into strips.
02 - In parallel, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, typically 8–10 minutes. Reserve 240 millilitres pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside, tossing with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking if desired.
03 - Melt unsalted butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika; stir for 1 minute to release aromas. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to deglaze and combine. Simmer 4–5 minutes until sauce slightly thickens. Stir in grated Parmesan until fully melted and sauce is smooth; adjust seasoning as needed.
04 - Toss cooked pasta in the skillet with sauce, coating thoroughly. Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency. Fold in sliced chicken until evenly distributed and heated through. Remove from heat and finish by garnishing with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Reserve some starchy pasta water before draining to help emulsify and bind the sauce.
02 - Swap chicken for sautéed shrimp or include sautéed peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and variety.
03 - Balance spiciness by adjusting the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika to preference.
04 - A squeeze of lemon over the finished dish brightens the flavours and cuts the richness.

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