Cajun Chicken Pasta
A quick and delicious Five-Ingredient Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta perfect for busy weeknights, combining rich flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced or cubed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend
- 8 ounces fettuccine or your preferred pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or preferred pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically for 8-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a small amount of the cooking liquid.
Cooking
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced or cubed chicken and sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center, about 6-8 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Cajun sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, thin it out by adding a splash or two of the reserved pasta cooking liquid.
Serving
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley if desired. It pairs well with a fresh side salad or garlic bread.
Notes
For extra heat, add more Cajun seasoning or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce. For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also toss in some vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. If using leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave and add a bit of water or milk to loosen the sauce.