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Creamy Cajun chicken pasta dish with vibrant colors and rich flavors

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A rich and flavorful pasta dish with smoky Cajun chicken, creamy sauce, and bright lemon and parsley for a perfect balance.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Essentials
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Choose even-thickness breasts.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Use a neutral, good-quality oil.
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning A blend with paprika, cayenne, and herbs is ideal.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder For concentrated garlicky flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder Adds depth without extra moisture.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Reinforces smoky warmth.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Balanced seasoning.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Balanced seasoning.
  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta Long ribbons recommended.
  • 2 tablespoons butter Adds richness.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Essential for flavor.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Luxurious component.
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth Adds savory depth.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Choose Parmigiano-Reggiano for best flavor.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Brightens the dish.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Lifts and sharpens the dish.
Optional Add-ons
  • sliced bell pepper or sun-dried tomatoes For color and acidity; add with garlic.
  • red pepper flakes or extra cayenne For more heat.
  • baby spinach For added color and texture.
  • shredded or crumbled smoked cheddar Adds complexity.
  • toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds For crunch.

Method
 

Preparation of Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
  2. Combine Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and rub it over both sides of the chicken.
Searing Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest.
Building the Sauce
  1. Reduce heat and add butter to the skillet to melt.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, deglaze the pan, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan until melted.
Cooking Pasta
  1. Cook fettuccine in salted water according to package directions until al dente, reserving some cooking water.
Combining & Serving
  1. Slice chicken and toss cooked pasta with the sauce.
  2. Add parsley and lemon juice, mix gently, and plate.
  3. Garnish with additional parsley and pepper, and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve with a crisp salad or crusty bread to balance the rich flavors. Adjust heat by modifying Cajun seasoning amount.