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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A rich and peppery pasta dish with seared chicken and a velvety Cajun cream sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (for chicken)
  • 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 (for sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Sautéed vegetables or shrimp (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Rest, then slice.
  3. Boil a large pot of well-salted water. Cook the pasta until almost al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
  4. Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic briefly.
  5. Add the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, then pour in the chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened. Add the Parmesan and whisk until smooth.
  7. Add the pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat.
  8. Finish with lemon juice and parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Use low-sodium broth for better salt control. Substitute coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan for a dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-4/