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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Close-up of creamy, orange-hued cajun chicken pasta being lifted high on a fork from a white bowl.
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Make a rich and spicy Cajun chicken pasta dish quickly. This recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
  • 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne work well)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Taste and add more salt or spice if needed.
  8. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the dry spices.
  • If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash more chicken broth or cream.
  • You can substitute shrimp for chicken if desired; cook the shrimp separately until pink and add it in the final step.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/cajun-chicken-pasta-creamy-recipe/