Description
A quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, pasta, and a rich Cajun cream sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- Salt, for the pasta water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Sautéed vegetables (optional)
- Shrimp (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it.
- In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the additional Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Notes
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat. A squeeze of lemon juice on top adds a fresh zing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun