Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, tender and juicy
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta of your choice
Spices and Seasonings
- 2–3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, oregano)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Fats
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes (for extra heat)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken and Pasta: Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning. Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
- Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers until softened and fragrant, creating the flavorful base for the sauce.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens to a smooth, silky texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional Cajun spices if desired.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the creamy, spicy sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh Cajun seasoning for better flavor compared to pre-mixed packets.
- Do not overcook chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Simmer the sauce gently to avoid cream curdling.
- Use good-quality freshly grated Parmesan cheese for authentic flavor and smooth melting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun / American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick Cajun recipe, spicy pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food