Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy culinary experience with this mind-blowing Creamy Cajun Pasta with Chicken! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken nestled in a luxuriously rich, spicy cream sauce, clinging to perfectly cooked fettuccine – this recipe is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're craving a quick gourmet meal or looking to impress dinner guests, this dish promises to deliver explosive flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season chicken thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coating on all pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through with internal temperature reaching 165°F.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream to the skillet with chicken, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until cream starts to thicken.
- Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Add cooked fettuccine directly into the skillet, tossing gently to coat pasta completely with Cajun cream sauce and chicken.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Plate immediately and serve hot, enjoying the rich, spicy Cajun flavors of the creamy pasta.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and maximum flavor absorption.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce – pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
- Don't skip reserving pasta water! It's a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency and helping the sauce cling to the pasta.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your Cajun seasoning or use a spicy Cajun blend.
- Let the chicken rest for a minute after cooking to retain its juiciness and prevent overcooking.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature – creamy sauces can start to separate if left sitting too long.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use Greek yogurt for added protein.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 180mg
