Description
A bold, flavor-packed dinner that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxurious cream sauce infused with smoky Cajun spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- Salt for pasta water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 (to taste)
- Sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms, optional)
- Shrimp (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and let rest.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, and simmer a few minutes until thickened. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Slice the cooked chicken, add it to the sauce with the drained pasta, and toss until well combined and heated through.
Notes
To enhance your meal, garnish with fresh parsley. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg