Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta! This recipe is bursting with flavor, simple to prepare, and sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
- With just a few simple ingredients, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is also great for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully for leftovers the next day.
Ingredient Notes:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing lean protein.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to cook the chicken.
- Cajun seasoning: Gives the dish its signature spicy flavor.
- Garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper: Enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Fettuccine pasta: The perfect pasta choice for this creamy sauce.
- Butter, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon juice: Combine to create a luscious and flavorful sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start by cooking the chicken: Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sauté in olive oil until cooked through, then set aside.
- Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In the same pan used for the chicken, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon juice, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Helpful Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add more Cajun seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve your desired level of creaminess.
Serving Suggestions:
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad. For drinks, try serving it with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to swap fettuccine with your preferred pasta shape. - How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit it entirely for a milder flavor. - Can I freeze Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the dish without the pasta for up to 3 months. Reheat and add freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the flavorful and comforting Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for your next meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and let us know how you like it!
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in a rich and flavorful Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta dish that combines tender chicken in a Cajun spice blend with creamy sauce and fettuccine pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken:
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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta:
-
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté in olive oil until cooked through. Slice and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter, sauté garlic, pour in cream, broth, Parmesan, parsley, and lemon juice. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg