Get ready to indulge in a delicious bowl of creamy Cajun chicken pasta! This dish combines tender chicken breast, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, flavorful sauce that’s both comforting and satisfying. With a kick of Cajun spices, fresh garlic, and creamy cheese, every bite is packed with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to impress your family or guests. Let’s dive in and create a meal that’s both easy and incredibly tasty!
PROCESS:
- To make creamy Cajun chicken pasta, start by cooking the pasta in salted boiling water for one minute less than the package suggests.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, and let it sit to absorb the flavors. Sear the chicken in a pan with butter until it’s fully cooked and golden brown, then set it aside to rest.
- In the same pan, sauté minced garlic and chopped onion, then add milk and cream cheese to make a creamy sauce.
- Mix in some of the reserved pasta water to get the right sauce consistency, and then stir in the cooked chicken and pasta until everything is well combined. Taste it, adjust the seasoning if needed, and serve with a sprinkle of parsley or cheese on top.
Here’s what you are going to need to make it:
Pasta: You can use any type, like spaghetti, penne, linguine or fusilli.
Chicken Breast: A lean protein source that adds flavor and texture. Dicing it allows it to cook quickly and evenly.
Cajun Seasoning: These spices provide a bold, spicy flavor profile
Butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Garlic: Provides a strong, aromatic flavor that enhances the dish.
Milk: Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
Cream Cheese: Contributes creaminess and a slight tang to the sauce. It helps thicken the sauce and adds a smooth texture.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
Oregano: Earthy herb
Dried Basil: Sweet Earthy herb
Chili Flakes: Adds a bit of heat to the dish. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a bit of spiciness.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust to taste.
Paprika Powder: Adds a mild sweetness and a subtle smoky flavor.
Pasta Water: The starchy water helps adjust the consistency of the sauce.
INGREDIENTS
- 200 grams pasta
- 1 Big Chicken breast
- 2 tsp Cajun Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp Paprika or chili powder
- 1 tbsp butter
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsps. Cream cheese
- 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp Basil
- 1/4 pasta water or as needed
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Fill a pot with water and add a good pinch of salt. This helps the pasta taste better. Bring the water to a boil, then cook the pasta for one minute less than what the package says. It’ll keep cooking a bit after you drain it.Before draining, save about a cup of the pasta water. You might need it for the sauce later.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken (optional but recommended)
- Take a big chicken breast and butterfly it in half. Season the chicken breast with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, salt, chili or paprika powder(optional) and pepper. You can also add few drops of olive oil to elevate the flavor. Let it sit for a bit to soak up the flavors. While it’s marinating, you can prep the other ingredients.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- In a pan, melt half a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken to the pan and cook on medium-high for about 6 minutes. You want it to be cooked through and nice and brown on the outside. Make sure there’s no pink in the middle it, should be fully cooked. After 6 minutes, turn the heat up too high to get a nice char on the chicken. Just be careful not to burn it!
Step 4: Let the Chicken Rest
- Once it’s cooked, take the chicken out of the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This keeps it juicy.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, add a little more butter if needed, along with the remaining minced garlic and the finely chopped onion. Sauté these for a minute or two until the onions become translucent and fragrant. At this point, add in the chili flakes, basil, black pepper and oregano. Next, pour in the milk and add the cream cheese. Stir continuously to ensure the cream cheese melts smoothly into the milk, creating a creamy base for your sauce. After a minute, add about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Adjust the consistency as needed you want it creamy but not overly thick.
Step 7: Combine Everything
- Once your sauce is at the desired consistency, it’s time to add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Mix it in well, allowing the chicken to soak up all that creamy sauce. Finally, gently fold in the boiled pasta, ensuring every strand is coated in the sauce.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust
- Take a moment to taste your pasta and adjust the seasoning. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a dash of chili flakes.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
- Now that you’ve got your creamy chicken pasta ready, it’s time to serve! Transfer it to bowls or plates and garnish with some freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch. A side salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish, making for a complete meal.
Tips and Notes:
- Use your favorite type of pasta penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package.
- If you have extra time, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or even overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning and chili flakes. You can always add more to taste later.
- The starchy pasta water is key to achieving the right sauce consistency. Add it gradually until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, can brighten up the dish when serving.
- Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Always taste as you go! Adjust seasoning to your liking at each step to create the perfect flavor.
