creamy Cajun chicken pasta

Here’s a rich and flavorful recipe for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta — a spicy, cheesy, soul-warming dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or crowd-pleasing meal.

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🌶️🍝 Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

✨ Description:

Tender, juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken breast over creamy, garlicky pasta with a kick of heat and a silky, cheesy sauce. It’s restaurant-quality comfort food made right at home.

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📝 Ingredients (Serves 4):

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if preferred)

• 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth (or pasta water)

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

• Optional: a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra brightness/heat

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🔪 Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.

• Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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2. Season & Cook the Chicken:

1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

3. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked through.

4. Remove from skillet, let rest, then slice thinly.

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3. Sauté the Veggies:

• In the same skillet, add butter and sauté garlic and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.

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4. Make the Creamy Sauce:

1. Lower heat to medium. Add cream and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water) to the skillet.

2. Stir in Parmesan cheese and ½ tsp Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or seasoning as needed.

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5. Combine:

• Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

• Top with sliced Cajun chicken.

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6. Serve:

• Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.

• Serve hot with lemon wedges or garlic bread.

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🔁 Variations:

• Add Shrimp: Swap or combine with shrimp for Cajun surf and turf.

• Spicier: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

• Lighter: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.

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🧊 Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

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Would you like a one-pot version, low-carb (zoodle) variation, or a vegetarian Cajun pasta idea?