Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Printable Version)

Zesty Cajun chicken and pasta tossed in a rich, creamy sauce with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
04 - Salt, to taste
05 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Pasta

06 - 12 ounces penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
07 - Salt, for boiling pasta

→ Sauce

08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1 cup heavy cream
13 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
14 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Garnish and Optional Additions

15 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
16 - Red pepper flakes (optional)
17 - Fresh lemon juice (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Pat chicken breasts dry and evenly season both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from pan and let rest.
03 - Allow chicken to rest for several minutes, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
04 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, approximately 8–10 minutes, until al dente.
05 - Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
06 - Melt unsalted butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
07 - Stir in 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, toasting spices for 1 minute.
08 - Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and let simmer for 4–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
09 - Stir in grated Parmesan until completely melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun seasoning if needed.
10 - Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until thoroughly coated with sauce. Add some reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if necessary.
11 - Return sliced chicken to skillet and gently combine with pasta and sauce.
12 - Remove skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice as desired. Serve immediately.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Resting cooked chicken helps maintain juiciness before slicing.
02 - Reserve extra pasta water to easily adjust the sauce consistency.
03 - For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with sautéed vegetables or use plant-based protein.

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