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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A comforting and flavorful dish that combines chicken, pasta, and a rich Cajun cream sauce, perfect for a hearty dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
  • Salt, for the pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste
  • Fresh lemon juice, to taste
  • Sautéed vegetables (optional)
  • Shrimp (optional, to substitute chicken)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and let it rest before slicing.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then mix in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  4. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to reach the desired consistency.

Notes

Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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