Description
Spicy, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home! Tender, seasoned chicken, coated in a rich, garlicky Cajun cream sauce, is tossed with pasta for the ultimate comfort meal. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes!
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Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine work best)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup bell peppers, sliced (optional for added crunch)
- ¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water for later.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
- Toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, ensuring an even coat.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter, then sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, letting them soften slightly in the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
- Squeeze in the lemon juice for a touch of freshness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using) and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top!
Notes
Use Fresh Parmesan – It melts better and enhances the flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Keep it al dente for the perfect bite.
Adjust the Spice Level – Reduce Cajun seasoning for milder flavors or add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Make It Lighter – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a milk + Greek yogurt mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American