Prepare yourself for a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily master in your own kitchen. Picture this: juicy, tender chicken breast coated in a bold and smoky Cajun spice crust, seared to perfection, and sliced to reveal a succulent interior. This incredible chicken rests atop a bed of wide fettuccine noodles, all tossed in a luxuriously creamy and garlicky Parmesan sauce that gets its beautiful color from the same spices. It’s the ultimate comfort meal, ready in about 30 minutes, and perfect for any night you crave something truly special.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Cajun Spice Blend:
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (use less for mild, more for spicy)
- 1 tsp sea salt
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz fettuccine or pappardelle pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Mix the Spices & Prep Chicken: In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the Cajun Spice Blend. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and generously season both sides with the spice mixture, pressing it in gently.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Sear the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, until deeply browned and cooked through to 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken to a cutting board to rest. Do not wipe out the skillet.
- Start the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet, letting it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Build the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, stirring to combine. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Pasta: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat every noodle in the luxurious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Slice and Serve: Thinly slice the rested chicken breast against the grain. Serve the creamy pasta in bowls, topped with the sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy immediately.
Recipe Notes:
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C) without becoming dry. Resting the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing is crucial for keeping it juicy.
- Cheese Matters: For the smoothest sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- Control the Heat: The spice level is easily controlled by the amount of cayenne pepper you use. Start with 1/4 teaspoon for a flavorful kick and increase from there if you love heat.
- Add Some Veggies: This dish is wonderful with sautéed bell peppers and onions. Cook them after the chicken and remove them from the pan before starting the sauce, then stir them back in with the pasta.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
There you have it – an impressive, decadent, and surprisingly simple pasta dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a perfect weeknight indulgence or a go-to for impressing guests. We hope you love every creamy, spicy bite!
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 850; Protein: 55g; Carbohydrates: 65g; Fat: 42g; Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 5g; Sodium: 1150mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated and can vary depending on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. This information is provided for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice.
