Description
A bold and creamy Cajun pasta made with juicy chicken, smoky spices, and Parmesan in one pot. Easy, flavorful, and 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)
Instructions
1. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
3. In the skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, 1–2 minutes. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika to bloom.
4. Pour in cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
5. Add pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Return chicken to the skillet, toss with pasta, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage.
Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for more nutrition.
Use thighs for juicier chicken.
Reheat gently with broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg