Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender sliced chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, tossed with fettuccine in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce infused with garlic, tomato paste, and parsley. This popular Southern-inspired recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that brings a touch of spice and creaminess to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 oz. fettuccine, cooked al dente
Chicken
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to 1 inch thickness. Season both sides with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and pepper to taste.
- Sear Chicken: In a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter with olive oil. Sear chicken on each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and transfer to a plate. Slice into thick pieces.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium and melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Add tomato paste, then pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan and stir them into the sauce. Include any chicken juices from the plate for extra flavor.
- Incorporate Parmesan and Season: Bring sauce to a gentle boil, then add parsley and gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Toss Pasta and Chicken: Return cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat completely with the cream sauce. Add sliced chicken on top or mix it into the sauce to coat evenly.
- Serve: Dish out pasta topped with chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Cajun seasoning varies in salt content, so adjust salt according to your seasoning used.
- Substitute chicken with andouille sausage or seafood like shrimp or scallops for variation.
- Increase spice level with cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat.
- Add diced bell peppers to the sauce to include vegetables and added texture.
- Instead of parsley, try fresh green onions for a bolder flavor.
- Make sure to cook pasta al dente to maintain good texture when tossed with the sauce.
