Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- Salt, for pasta water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon juice, sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms), shrimp instead of chicken
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice into strips.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth.
- Add pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Return sliced chicken to skillet, mix everything together, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables or adjust spice level to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
