Cajun Chicken Pasta Creamy (Printable Version)

Savory Cajun chicken combined with bell peppers and rich creamy sauce over fettuccine noodles.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Pasta

04 - 12 oz fettuccine or linguine

→ Vegetables

05 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
06 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
07 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Creamy Sauce

09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 - 1 cup heavy cream
11 - ¼ cup chicken broth
12 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

15 - Fresh parsley, chopped
16 - Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness. Rub both sides thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, ensuring complete coverage.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, cover loosely, and let rest.
03 - Bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
04 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté bell peppers and onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 additional minute until fragrant.
05 - Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and release browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.
06 - Add Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce thickens slightly. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Slice rested chicken breasts into thin strips across the grain for tenderness.
08 - Add drained pasta to the skillet with sauce. Toss vigorously to coat noodles evenly, incorporating reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Top with sliced chicken strips. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The spicy Cajun chicken against that velvety cream sauce creates this incredible contrast that keeps you coming back for bite after bite
  • Everything cooks in one skillet (minus the pasta), meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner
  • This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like it came from a Southern restaurant
02 -
  • Reserving pasta water is non negotiable here
  • Dont let the cream sauce come to a rolling boil or it might separate
03 -
  • Let your chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing
  • Grate your own Parmesan from a wedge rather than using pre grated cheese

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