Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
A vibrant fusion of Italian and Cajun flavors, this dish features tender chicken in a spicy, velvety cream sauce over al dente pasta. Quick, hearty, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American (New Orleans Fusion)
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
12 oz fettuccine pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup diced onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp Cajun spice blend (includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for pasta
Season chicken cubes with 1 tbsp Cajun spice blend and 1/2 tsp black pepper
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through
Push chicken to one side, sauté onions and garlic in remaining oil until translucent
Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, remaining Cajun blend, thyme, and smoked paprika. Simmer 10 minutes
Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens and coats the chicken
Toss cooked pasta (drained al dente) with the chicken-sauce mixture
Season remaining Cajun blend, thyme, and black pepper to taste
Notes
Use gluten-free pasta if needed for dietary restrictions
For a lighter version, substitute 1/2 cup of heavy cream with milk and cream of mushroom soup
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days
Adjust spice level by modifying the cayenne amount in the Cajun blend