Description
Sizzling Cajun chicken pasta promises a spicy southern comfort that dances with rich, creamy textures. Hearty flavors and bold spices invite you to savor a culinary journey through Louisiana’s most beloved cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
Seasonings and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Coat chicken thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, ensuring complete coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest while preparing remaining components.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne pasta until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Drain pasta and set aside, reserving a small amount of cooking water.
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Pour heavy cream into skillet and whisk in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens and becomes smooth.
- Add drained pasta to sauce, gently tossing to coat evenly, using reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Slice cooked chicken into thin strips and arrange on top of sauced pasta.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over dish for a vibrant garnish.
- Serve immediately while sauce and chicken are hot and pasta is perfectly coated.
Notes
- Master the Cajun spice coating by ensuring a thin, even layer that clings perfectly to the chicken without clumping.
- Consider swapping heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, dietary-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
- Dial down the heat by using a mild Cajun seasoning blend or reducing the amount if you prefer less spiciness.
- Elevate the protein content by adding sautéed shrimp or sliced sausage alongside the chicken for extra flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 642 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg