Description

Spice up your weeknight dinner with Cajun Chicken Pasta in a Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce. This dish features tender, juicy chicken strips seasoned with bold Cajun spices, tossed with pasta in a rich, velvety sauce made from heavy cream, fresh Parmesan, and garlic. Ready in under 40 minutes, it combines spicy heat with smooth, cheesy comfort for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Seasoning

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized strips
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Fats & Aromatics

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta

8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta

Garnishes

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Extra grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Prepare and Season the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and toss them generously with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper until well coated to build a bold, flavorful base.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Sear the Spiced Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the minced garlic; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and toss everything together. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley for brightness and garnish.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting quality.
Do not overcook the chicken; cook just until done to keep it juicy.
Simmer the sauce gently to prevent curdling of the cream.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without watering it down.
Start with less Cajun seasoning and add more to suit your spice preference.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy Parmesan sauce, spicy pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner, creamy garlic sauce, Cajun seasoning pasta