Description
This Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful dish combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich velvety sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s quick to prepare, customizable in spice level, and sure to impress with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, boneless and cut into bite-sized strips
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano)
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized strips and toss with Cajun seasoning to coat evenly, infusing spicy and smoky flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside to keep juices locked in.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped onions. Cook while stirring until softened, fragrant, and translucent.
- Make the Sauce: Add diced tomatoes and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a small cup of pasta water for the sauce.
- Bring It All Together: Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss to combine. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Fresh is best: Use freshly ground Cajun seasoning for more vibrant flavor.
- Don’t overcook chicken: Remove from heat as soon as it turns opaque to keep it tender and juicy.
- Simmer sauce gently: Avoid boiling cream to prevent curdling and maintain silky texture.
- Reserve pasta water: Adding it helps achieve a creamy sauce that clings to noodles perfectly.
- Customize spice level: Adjust Cajun seasoning or cayenne to suit your heat preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Cajun Chicken Pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken, weeknight dinner, one pot pasta, Cajun recipe
