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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A bold and flavor-packed pasta dish with tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and a rich, creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 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 (again!)
  • 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 (optional)
  • Sautéed vegetables (optional)
  • Shrimp (optional)

Instructions

  1. Boil the Water: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Add the Pasta: Once boiling, add your pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Season the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
  4. Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown.
  5. Remove and Slice: Once cooked, remove the chicken and slice it into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Add the butter and let it melt, then sauté the garlic until fragrant.
  7. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, then pour in the cream and chicken broth, stirring well.
  8. Let the sauce simmer until thickened, then stir in the Parmesan cheese.
  9. Mix the pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
  10. Add the sliced chicken and optional garnishes, then serve.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and load up with sautéed vegetables. For a seafood twist, substitute chicken with shrimp.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun, pasta, chicken, creamy, comfort food

Find it online: https://thecomfortspoon.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-bold-flavor-packed-dinner/