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creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-skillet-recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Tender Cajun-seasoned chicken breast in a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with fettuccine. Bold, spicy, and ready in 40 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning use a good-quality blend for best flavor
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika smoked preferred over sweet
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta cooked al dente
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated for smoothest sauce
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Cutting board
  • Chef knife
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and saute for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. While the sauce simmers, cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  6. Slice the rested chicken into thin strips. Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick.
  7. Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice, then add the sliced chicken on top. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Serve immediately with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce. Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version. Bell peppers or spinach can be added for extra color and nutrition.