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30-Minute Ultimate Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A fork lifts long strands of linguine coated in rich sauce from a bowl of creamy cajun chicken pasta.
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Make restaurant-style creamy Cajun chicken pasta at home in just 30 minutes. This recipe delivers rich flavor and a perfectly creamy sauce for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
  • 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  4. Reduce the heat in the skillet to medium. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Whisk in the flour to the melted butter and garlic, cooking for 1 minute to create a roux. This step builds the base for a thick sauce.
  6. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken slightly.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream. Continue to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Do not boil rapidly.
  8. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  9. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy Cajun sauce.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • To achieve a truly creamy sauce, make sure you whisk the flour into the butter thoroughly before adding the liquid, and use the starchy pasta water to adjust the final consistency.
  • If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper to just a pinch.
  • You can add sautéed bell peppers or onions with the garlic for extra vegetables.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe/