Craving a meal that combines the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with the comforting richness of a creamy pasta? Look no further than this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. This recipe brings together perfectly seasoned chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxurious sauce that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your hunger in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- Metric: 2 chicken breasts, 1-2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper, 220-250g pasta (penne, tagliatelle, linguine), 1 tbsp butter, 1 small onion, 2 garlic cloves, 180ml heavy cream, 40g grated Parmesan, handful fresh parsley or chives, optional: cherry tomatoes or peppers
- US: 2 chicken breasts, 1-2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper, 8 oz pasta (penne, tagliatelle, linguine), 1 tbsp butter, 1 small onion, 2 garlic cloves, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1.4 oz grated Parmesan, handful fresh parsley or chives, optional: cherry tomatoes or peppers
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare and Season the Chicken
- Cut chicken breasts into strips or cubes for even cooking
- In a bowl, mix chicken with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Allow to marinate for 10-15 minutes to enhance flavor absorption
2. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil
- Add pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions
- Before draining, reserve one ladle of pasta water (about 1/2 cup)
- This starchy water will help create a silky sauce later
3. Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Sear marinated chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside
4. Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat
- Sauté diced onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant
- Pour in heavy cream and grated Parmesan
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens
- If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency
5. Combine and Serve
- Add cooked chicken back to the skillet
- Toss with pasta and sauce
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives
- Optional: Add halved cherry tomatoes or sliced peppers for extra color and freshness
Cooking Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2-3 people
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Fiber: 2-3g
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Use a high-quality Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk
- Fresh herbs make a significant difference in the final taste
Why This Cajun Chicken Pasta Rocks
This dish is a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory. The Cajun seasoning brings a kick of heat, while the cream sauce provides a smooth, rich backdrop. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal right at home with this simple yet impressive Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta!