Description
How to make creamy Cajun garlic butter chicken pasta with tender chicken, bold spices and rich cream sauce that’s pure comfort food perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta or your favorite shape
- 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking
Cajun Seasoning Blend
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Mix all Cajun spices in a bowl, then coat chicken pieces evenly. Let it sit for 10 minutes so the flavors really penetrate the meat.
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining – you’ll need this for the sauce later.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in cream and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Whisk in Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and smooth. If sauce seems thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Combine Everything: Return chicken to pan, add drained pasta, and toss everything together. Cook 2 minutes until heated through and well coated.
- Serve Hot: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools, creating perfect consistency.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken as it will become tough and dry.
- Reserve pasta water before draining – it’s essential for sauce consistency.
- Keep cream sauce at gentle simmer to prevent breaking and curdling.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts much smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
- Let seasoned chicken rest 10 minutes for better flavor penetration.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight container.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 28g