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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 530 reviews

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta combines tender pan-seared chicken breasts with a rich, flavorful Cajun-spiced cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. The dish is elevated by aromatic garlic, fresh tomato, and optional herbs and Parmesan cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal with a spicy kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise (4 thin cutlets)
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (divided into 1/2 tbsp + 1/2 tbsp; use low or no salt variety)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper, to taste (adjust based on seasoning salt)
  • Flour, for dredging
  • 1 teaspoon flour (divided)

Cooking Fats

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter (divided)

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped small

For Serving (optional)

  • Chopped fresh basil
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Chopped scallions
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook it al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thin cutlets. Season with 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Lightly dredge each piece in flour and shake off the excess.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. Make the sauce base: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon flour. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
  5. Add liquids and seasoning: Whisk in the heavy cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), and remaining 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine and gently simmer.
  6. Incorporate tomato and thicken: Add the chopped tomato and let the sauce thicken for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved hot pasta water to loosen it.
  7. Toss pasta and finish sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the sauce. Stir in fresh basil, parsley, and scallions if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and arrange on top of the pasta or place whole. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use a low or no-salt Cajun seasoning to better control salt levels.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, noting the change will affect creaminess.
  • You can swap pasta for gluten-free varieties if needed.
  • If you prefer less heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning amount.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it thickens too much.
  • The Dijon mustard adds subtle tang but can be omitted if unavailable or undesired.
  • Fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese are optional but enhance flavor and presentation.

Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun pasta, chicken pasta recipe, creamy pasta, Cajun seasoning, weeknight dinner

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