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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Bold Flavor

A close-up of rich, orange-hued Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with fettuccine noodles and diced chicken, seasoned with dark herbs.
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Follow this recipe to make a rich, creamy Cajun chicken pasta featuring a bold and spicy sauce.

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
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend (use a high-quality, bold blend)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese cubes until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cayenne pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  9. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use smoked sausage sliced and cooked with the chicken.
  • To achieve a truly bold flavor, make your own Cajun blend using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.
  • Fettuccine or penne hold the thick sauce well, but rotini also works.
  • If you prefer a milder sauce, omit the cayenne pepper and reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning slightly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://epicureempire.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-with-bold-flavor/