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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe that delivers a spicy, smoky, and comforting dinner perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of penne or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry and sprinkle both sides evenly with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and let rest before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  5. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until slightly reduced, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let sauce thicken for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  8. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Return sliced chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
  10. Add cooked pasta and gently stir until everything is evenly combined and heated through, about 2 minutes.
  11. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

To lighten the dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste to control spice level. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-cozy-dinner-idea/