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A close-up shot of rich, orange-hued Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta tossed with fettuccine and topped with seasoned chicken pieces.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This recipe recreates the flavor of restaurant-style Cajun chicken pasta at home. It features tender chicken and linguine coated in a rich, creamy, and spicy sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 oz linguine pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1.5 Tbsp cajun seasoning Use up to 2 Tbsp, adjust to taste based on brand salt content
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2/3 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1.5 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped, to serve

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large non-reactive skillet

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water then drain, cover, and keep warm.
  2. Beat the chicken breasts so that they are even in thickness and season all over with 1.5 Tbsp cajun seasoning.
  3. In a large non-reactive skillet, heat 2 tsp oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear on both sides. Turn heat down to low and saute until cooked through and 165˚F on a thermometer. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
  4. In the same skillet over medium heat, saute the butter and garlic for 30 to 60 seconds or until the garlic is fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and saute another 2 minutes.
  5. Add in the heavy whipping cream, add remaining cajun seasoning to taste, and parmesan cheese, and bring to a simmer. Season to taste if needed.
  6. Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until combined and 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 18gFat: 31g

Notes

If you are using a cajun seasoning that has a high salt content, start with half of the seasoning and add more to taste. Avoid using cast iron or copper pans when making a creamy sauce with an acidic product like tomato, as it can react and make the sauce grainy.

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