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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe with Spicy Tender Chicken Easy

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A quick and easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta with tender, spicy chicken and a rich, garlicky sauce that delivers comfort and lively flavor in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat dry 1 pound (450g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Season both sides evenly with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, plus a pinch of salt and black pepper. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225g) of fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side, until nicely browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove from pan and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 3 minced garlic cloves; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth and 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  6. Stir in 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If desired, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
  8. Add sliced chicken on top and gently fold everything together to coat evenly.
  9. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure proper browning. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it tender. Keep heat moderate when making the sauce to prevent cream from curdling. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese improves sauce smoothness and flavor. Optional garnishes like parsley and lemon wedges brighten the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy Cajun chicken pasta, spicy chicken pasta, easy dinner, creamy pasta recipe, Cajun seasoning, quick pasta dish

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