Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Tender chicken and pasta are coated in a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce, making it a delicious and comforting dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided (or added to taste depending on the brand you use)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2/3 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped, to serve
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon salt. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain, cover, and keep warm.
- Prepare Chicken: Beat the chicken breasts so that they are even in thickness and season all over with 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning.
- Sear Chicken: In a large non-reactive skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear on both sides. Turn heat down to low and sauté until cooked through and 165˚F on a thermometer. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet over medium heat, sauté the butter and garlic for 30-60 seconds or until the garlic is fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and sauté another 2 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Add the heavy whipping cream, remaining Cajun seasoning to taste, and parmesan cheese, and bring to a simmer. Season to taste if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until combined and the pasta and chicken are warmed through. Add warm reserved pasta water if desired to thin the sauce. Serve with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley.
Notes
- Pan Choice: Avoid using cast iron or copper pans anytime you are making a creamy sauce with an acidic product like tomato, or it will react and make the sauce grainy.
- Cajun Seasoning: If you are using a Cajun seasoning that has a high salt content, start with half of the seasoning and add more to taste.
- Pasta: You can use other types of pasta, such as fettuccine or spaghetti.
- Make Ahead: You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and assemble the dish later. Simply reheat the chicken and pasta in the sauce before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 500kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
