Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce
Tender chicken seasoned with bold Cajun spices tossed with pasta in a rich, creamy garlic butter Parmesan sauce for a flavorful and comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season chicken evenly with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cook until sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- Slice or dice the cooked chicken and toss with the pasta and creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Use smoked paprika along with Cajun seasoning for a smoky flavor.
- Swap penne for fettuccine or linguine based on preference.
- For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and vegan cheese.
- Reheat leftovers gently, adding cream or milk if sauce thickens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
