Description
A creamy pasta dish with bold Cajun flavors, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
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 the 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)
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice, to taste
- Sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms, optional)
- Shrimp (optional substitution for chicken)
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Instructions
- 1. Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove and let rest before slicing.
- 2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- 3. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, and let simmer until slightly thickened. Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- 4. Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce and toss together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.