Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe brings a delightful kick with smoky paprika and a creamy Parmesan finish.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
• Salt, for the pasta water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for another 30 seconds to release the spices’ aroma.
4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
5. Step 5: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
6. Step 6: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra protein, add cooked sliced chicken breast or sautéed shrimp before tossing with the sauce.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
• Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level, starting with less if you prefer mild heat.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving without adding liquid, as the sauce may separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, and spaghetti all work well, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning typically has a moderate level of heat from spices like cayenne and paprika. You can reduce or omit it if you prefer a milder dish or add extra to increase the spice.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 61 reviews

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a velvety, spicy Cajun-seasoned cream sauce, served over your choice of penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti. The dish balances smoky paprika and bold Cajun spices with creamy butter, garlic, and Parmesan, making it a perfect comforting meal with a subtle kick.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
• Salt, for the pasta water

Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, taking care not to brown the garlic.
3. Add Spices: Stir in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, allowing the spices to toast briefly to release their flavors for about 30 seconds.
4. Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of chicken broth, stirring continuously to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly for 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Add Cheese: Stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Heat for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Cook pasta al dente to avoid it becoming mushy once tossed in the sauce.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your heat preference. Use less for milder flavor or add extra for more spice.
• Use fresh garlic for the best aromatic flavor.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Grated Parmesan cheese adds depth; use good quality for best results.
• Chopped fresh parsley adds freshness but is optional.

Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Spicy Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Recipe