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Flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy Creamy Spicy Sauce

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A quick and easy Cajun chicken pasta with a creamy, spicy sauce that balances heat and richness perfectly. Ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (around 9-11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken strips generously with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and onions are translucent.
  4. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup chicken broth. Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste. Let sauce simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
  6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add drained pasta. Toss gently to coat pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy spicy sauce. Heat for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and freshness.
  8. Serve immediately, adding extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure a good sear. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level. Substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy sauce, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/flavorful-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-creamy-spicy-sauce/