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Irresistible Five-Ingredient Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 67 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Irresistible Five-Ingredient Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast coated with spicy Cajun seasoning is seared to perfection and combined with al dente fettuccine pasta tossed in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. With minimal ingredients and maximum taste, this comforting pasta recipe is sure to become a family favorite.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

  • 1 pound chicken breast
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon oil or butter (for cooking)

Pasta and Sauce

  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, for pasta water

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Evenly coat both sides of each piece with Cajun seasoning, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until fully cooked through and the exterior has a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest while preparing the rest of the dish.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta well.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, scrape up any browned bits left from the chicken to enhance the flavor. Stir the cream gently to warm it through.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream in the skillet. Whisk continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss well to evenly coat the pasta. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
  7. Slice the Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips, perfect for serving over the pasta.
  8. Plate and Serve: Divide the creamy Cajun pasta among serving bowls. Top with the sliced chicken strips and garnish with extra grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning or sprinkle over the finished dish.
  • Any firm pasta shape can be substituted if fettuccine is unavailable, such as linguine or penne.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting texture and flavor.
  • Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated with a splash of cream.