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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe with a spicy, savory sauce perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta (gluten-free pasta works well too)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Toss chicken strips with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper until well coated.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips in a single layer and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced red bell pepper; cook about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until aromatic.
  5. Pour in 1 cup half-and-half and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Stir in smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Return chicken and pasta to skillet. Toss gently to coat in sauce. Cook 2 more minutes to heat through and marry flavors.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

If sauce separates, reduce heat and whisk vigorously or add more cream. Let chicken rest a few minutes after searing for juiciness. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Southern cuisine

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-spicy-savory-dinner-idea/