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Cajun Chicken Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce Recipe

Cajun Chicken Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 5 reviews

Cajun Chicken Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce is a flavor-packed comfort dish combining spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken with a rich, silky parmesan garlic sauce tossed with tender penne or rigatoni pasta. This restaurant-quality Southern-inspired meal balances bold spices and creamy indulgence, perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cajun Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise or pounded evenly
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (adds richness and aids browning)

For the Pasta:

  • 10–12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
  • Salted water (for boiling the pasta)

For the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and rub both sides generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 4–5 minutes on each side, until fully cooked and edges are blackened. Remove from skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water. Set both aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to cook the roux. Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Add Parmesan and Combine: Gradually stir in the grated parmesan until it melts into a smooth sauce. Add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  5. Top with Sliced Chicken: Arrange the sliced Cajun chicken on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

  • Homemade Cajun Seasoning Option: Mix 1 tsp each of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano, plus ½ tsp each of thyme, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Adjust heat to taste.
  • Chicken Swap: Substitute with shrimp or sliced sausage. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter sauce.
  • Vegetable Add-Ins: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms complement the bold flavors well.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Avoid overcooking chicken by using a meat thermometer to reach 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
  • Let chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.
  • Do not burn garlic; keep heat moderate and stir constantly.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
  • Save some pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
  • Store leftovers separately to maintain texture; refrigerate in airtight container for 3–4 days.
  • Freeze not recommended due to cream sauce separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy parmesan garlic sauce, Cajun seasoning, penne pasta, Southern comfort food, creamy pasta recipe, spicy chicken pasta

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/cajun-chicken-pasta-in-creamy-parmesan-garlic-sauce-recipe-2/