Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish! It’s loaded with tender chicken, rich Cajun spices, and a velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. With just the right amount of spice and creaminess, this pasta is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided (adjust to taste depending on the brand)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2/3 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Directions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water, then cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Cover the pasta and set it aside to keep warm.
2. Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. Season the chicken on both sides with 1 1/2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, adjusting the amount based on your taste preference and the brand of seasoning you’re using.
3. Cook the Chicken
In a large non-reactive skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Reduce the heat to low and continue sautéing until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F on a meat thermometer. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, slice it into thin strips, and cover it to keep warm.
4. Make the Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, the remaining Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste), and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the sauce until well combined, then bring it to a simmer. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
5. Combine and Serve
Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy Cajun sauce and warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley.
Additional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful balance of spicy and creamy, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something a little more special, this pasta dish is sure to please. The Cajun seasoning adds a wonderful kick, while the cream and Parmesan create a rich, comforting sauce. Serve it up with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad, and enjoy a meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying!
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with a rich and creamy sauce. The tender slices of seasoned chicken, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine, create a satisfying and comforting meal. The hint of spice from the Cajun seasoning is balanced beautifully by the creamy sauce and the freshness of the diced tomatoes.
Ingredients
8 oz linguine pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tsp olive oil
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp cajun seasoning, divided (adjust to taste depending on the brand)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2/3 cup diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta, cover, and keep warm.
Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season all over with 1 1/2 Tbsp of cajun seasoning.
Cook the Chicken: In a large non-reactive skillet, heat 2 tsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and sear on both sides. Reduce the heat to low and sauté until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F on a thermometer. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, slice it into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and sauté for another 2 minutes. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, remaining cajun seasoning to taste, and parmesan cheese. Stir and bring the sauce to a simmer. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Combine and Serve: Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss until the pasta and chicken are well coated and warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency. Serve the pasta with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450