Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and spicy dish packed with tender, seasoned chicken, a velvety garlic-infused sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and bell peppers for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.
Notes
- Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Extra Protein – Add shrimp or andouille sausage for a Cajun-style surf and turf.
- Vegetarian Option – Replace chicken with mushrooms or zucchini and use vegetable broth.