Description
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the bold and flavorful combination of Five-Ingredient Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta! This easy-to-prepare dish is a celebration of Cajun cuisine, bursting with vibrant spices and a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats tender chicken and al dente pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced or cubed
- 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning blend
- 8 ounces of fettuccine or your preferred pasta
- 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions, typically for 8-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a small amount of the cooking liquid in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
- 2. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced or cubed chicken and sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center, about 6-8 minutes.
- 3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- 4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Cajun sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash or two of the reserved pasta cooking liquid.
Notes
When it comes to Cajun seasoning, quality is key. Opt for a well-balanced blend that includes a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. You can also make your own Cajun seasoning at home to perfectly suit your taste preferences.
The key to achieving a silky, velvety cream sauce is to whisk the Parmesan cheese into the hot cream thoroughly. This helps the cheese melt seamlessly and prevents any clumping. If the sauce seems too thick, simply stir in a bit of the reserved pasta cooking liquid to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Serve this Five-Ingredient Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 90