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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Your New Favorite Comfort Dish

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights, featuring bold Cajun spices and a rich creamy sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breasts Can be substituted with thighs for more flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning Adjust to taste for spicier kick.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Substitute with regular paprika if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used for stronger taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Can be omitted for milder dish.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Swap with vegetable oil if desired.
For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 8 ounces Pasta (Penne or Fettuccine) Any pasta shape works based on preference.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Can replace with more olive oil for lighter option.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Adjust quantity based on personal taste preference.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half serves as lighter option.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Substitute with Pecorino Romano if needed.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth for vegetarian version.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Omit if you prefer milder dish.
  • to taste Salt Essential seasoning.
  • to taste Black Pepper Essential seasoning.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley For garnish.

Equipment

  • Pot
  • skillet
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, add Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes, then simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Combine cooked pasta and chicken with the sauce, tossing gently. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 32gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish can be customized with shrimp or vegetables. Adjust the Cajun seasoning for your preferred spice level.

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