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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A rich and creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken with Cajun spices for a flavorful weeknight meal.

Ingredients

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  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Additional Cajun seasoning to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Notes

For best results, precook the pasta slightly less than you normally would to allow for reheating in the sauce. Experiment with spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning.

Nutrition

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