Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, creamy dinner made with seared Cajun-spiced chicken, rich Parmesan cream sauce, and fettuccine. Perfect for a weeknight or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
16 oz. fettuccine, cooked al dente
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
½ tsp smoked paprika
Pepper to taste
2 tbsp butter, divided
1 tbsp olive oil
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream
4 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1½ tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Boil a generous pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine until it reaches al dente, following the directions on the package.
- Meanwhile, pound the chicken breasts to an even 1-inch thickness. Season both sides of the chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, the smoked paprika, and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add the olive oil. Sear the chicken on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature ~165 °F), about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, slice into thick pieces or bite-sized chunks, and set aside along with any juices.
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. If you saved the chicken juices, you can add them now for extra flavour.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then add the chopped parsley and slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, the lemon juice, and pepper to taste. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Let it simmer for another ~5 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the creamy sauce. Then either mix in the sliced chicken or place the chicken pieces on top of the pasta as you serve.
- Dish up immediately, and optionally sprinkle extra parsley and Parmesan over the top for garnish. Serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
Adjust Cajun seasoning based on salt/spice levels.
Substitute chicken with shrimp or sausage.
Add bell peppers or switch parsley for green onions.
Add cayenne for extra heat.
Sauce thickens on standing—thin with broth if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 32 g