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, or shrimp
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes. Add Cajun seasoning and paprika, and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add heavy cream and chicken broth, simmer to thicken. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Toss in cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Add sliced chicken and mix well.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make it GF-friendly.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter version, though cream gives the best texture.
- Boost spice with red pepper flakes or more Cajun seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
