Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a spicy Cajun kick in a creamy sauce. It’s quick to prepare and offers a delicious balance of heat and creaminess. This dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 ½ to 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅔ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove from heat, let it rest, then slice thinly.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes and remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Combine: Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjusting Heat: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or substitute with a less spicy mix. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Variations: Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to enhance the nutrition and flavor.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little cream or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences without compromising flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of the recipe)
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, spicy pasta, easy pasta recipe