Description
A quick and delicious creamy Cajun chicken pasta perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- Salt, for the pasta water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice, to taste
- Sautéed vegetables (optional)
- Shrimp (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and let rest.
- In a pot, bring water to a boil, add salt and cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for about a minute. Add Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, then pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together and add lemon juice and parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or add vegetables for a healthier option. Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes based on heat preference.