Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Cheese: Stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://kitchenbynora.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe/
