Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted.
- If the sauce is too thin, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it in.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix everything well.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Calories: 650
- Sodium: 750mg
- Protein: 35g
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe