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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 63 reviews

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken breasts with al dente pasta, enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce seasoned with garlic, lemon, and a touch of Dijon mustard. This comforting meal is elevated with fresh tomatoes and herbs, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise into 4 thin cutlets)
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (divided into 1/2 tablespoon + 1/2 tablespoon, use low or no salt variety)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Flour for dredging + 1 teaspoon flour (divided)

Cooking Fats & Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped small

For Serving (Optional)

  • Chopped fresh basil
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Chopped scallions
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a salted pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thin cutlets. Season with 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once warm, sear the chicken cutlets for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. Make the sauce base: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. When melted, add minced garlic and 1 teaspoon flour; cook for about one minute, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
  5. Add liquids and seasonings: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning into the skillet.
  6. Incorporate tomato and thicken sauce: Stir in the chopped tomato and allow the sauce to thicken, which should take just a few minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the hot pasta water to loosen it.
  7. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Mix in chopped fresh basil, parsley, and scallions if desired. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve: Plate the pasta and top with the cooked chicken, slicing if preferred. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and extra herbs as desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use low or no salt Cajun seasoning to better control sodium levels.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture is ideal for this dish.
  • If Dijon mustard is not available, you may omit it without significant flavor loss.
  • The sauce thickens quickly, so keep stirring and add pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  • Fresh herbs add brightness but are optional depending on availability.

Keywords: Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Cajun Seasoning, Chicken Cutlets, Comfort Food, Weeknight Dinner

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