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Bold and Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A close-up, appetizing shot of Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta featuring fettuccine coated in a rich, orange sauce with seasoned chicken chunks.
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Make a rich, intensely flavored Cajun chicken pasta featuring a thick, decadent cream sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 pound fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 30 seconds.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Let the sauce warm through but do not boil.
  8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until the sauce is smooth and thick. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
  9. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the bold, creamy sauce.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For an extra bold flavor, use a homemade Cajun seasoning blend that includes cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
  • To prevent the sauce from breaking, always add the cheese off the direct heat or over very low heat, stirring constantly.
  • If you prefer a spicier sauce, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerykings.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-bold-and-creamy/