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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Slice the Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips, perfect for serving over the pasta.
- 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.