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Flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe with Easy Cream Sauce

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A quick and easy Cajun chicken pasta with a creamy garlic sauce that delivers bold, comforting flavors perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces (225 g) fettuccine or your favorite pasta
  • Salt (for pasta water)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 4 quarts / 3.8 liters). Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Pat chicken strips dry with paper towels. Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken strips in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and cover loosely with foil.
  4. Lower heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to loosen. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until creamy and smooth.
  6. Add cooked pasta back into the skillet with the cream sauce, tossing gently to coat. Return chicken strips to the pan and mix together, heating through for 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning if desired.
  7. Plate the pasta, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to get a nice caramelized crust. Toast Cajun seasoning briefly in hot oil before adding chicken for deeper flavor. Use fresh garlic for best sauce flavor. Simmer cream sauce gently to avoid curdling and add reserved pasta water if sauce thickens too much. Cut chicken into even strips for even cooking. Start pasta water first to multitask efficiently.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Cajun seasoning, chicken recipe, creamy garlic sauce

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/flavorful-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-with-easy-cream-sauce-steps/