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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.1 from 41 reviews

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring juicy seared chicken breasts tossed with linguine pasta in a rich, creamy cajun garlic sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish offers a perfect balance of spice and creaminess, garnished with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken

  • 8 oz linguine pasta
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp cajun seasoning, divided
  • 1 Tbsp salt (for pasta water)

For the Sauce

  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2/3 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped (to serve)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Cover the pasta and keep warm.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Beat the chicken breasts to even thickness and season all over with 1 1/2 Tbsp of cajun seasoning.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear both sides until nicely browned. Lower heat to low and continue to sauté the chicken until cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
  4. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, over medium heat, melt 2 Tbsp unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Add cream and seasonings: Pour in the 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, sprinkle in the remaining cajun seasoning to taste, and stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, adjusting seasoning as needed.
  6. Combine everything: Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss well to combine and heat through. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved warm pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
  7. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of cajun seasoning based on the brand and your spice preference.
  • Using a non-reactive skillet such as stainless steel or cast iron is best to avoid reacting with acidic ingredients.
  • Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Make sure chicken is cooked to 165˚F for safe consumption.
  • Can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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