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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A quick and creamy pasta tossed with Cajun-seasoned chicken in a smoky garlic cream sauce, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (for chicken)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
  • Salt for pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (for sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Sautéed vegetables (optional)
  • Shrimp (optional substitute for chicken)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest then slice.
  2. Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, then deglaze with chicken broth, scraping the pan.
  4. Add heavy cream, simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened, and whisk in Parmesan. Season to taste.
  5. Toss in drained pasta and sliced chicken, adding reserved pasta water for desired consistency. Finish with lemon juice and parsley, serving immediately.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. To lighten the sauce, replace half the cream with low-fat milk. For shrimp lovers, substitute shrimp for chicken and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-3/