Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
480 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Cajun
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Description
This recipe combines cooked linguine pasta with sliced chicken breast seasoned and seared with Cajun spices. The sauce is made by sautéing garlic and tomatoes in butter, then adding heavy cream and Parmesan cheese along with additional Cajun seasoning. The mixture simmers to a creamy consistency before the chicken and pasta are combined with the sauce.
The finished dish has a creamy texture balanced by the bold flavors of the Cajun seasoning. The pasta holds the sauce well, and the slices of seasoned chicken add protein and spice. Cooking the chicken evenly by pounding it flat ensures uniform doneness and tenderness.
Serving this pasta warm works well for lunch or dinner. Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on its salt content to avoid over-seasoning. Avoid using reactive cookware like cast iron with acidic components in creamy sauces to prevent textural issues.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 chicken breast boneless skinless
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp butter unsalted
- 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning divided, (or added to taste depending on the brand you use*)
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 2/3 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 2 Tbsp parsley finely chopped, to serve
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water then drain, cover, and keep warm.
- Beat the chicken breasts so that they are even in thickness and season all over with 1½ Tbsp cajun seasoning.
- In a large non-reactive skillet*, heat 2 tsp oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear on both sides. Turn heat down to low and saute until cooked through and 165˚F on a thermometer. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, saute the butter and garlic for 30-60 seconds or until the garlic is fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and saute another 2 minutes.
- Add in the heavy whipping cream, add remaining cajun seasoning to taste, and parmesan cheese, and bring to a simmer. Season to taste if needed.
- Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until combined and pasta and chicken are warmed through. Add warm reserved pasta water if desired to thin the sauce. Serve with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley.
Notes
- Use a non-reactive skillet for the creamy tomato sauce to avoid grainy texture caused by reactive metals.
- If your Cajun seasoning is high in salt, start with less and add more to taste to control seasoning balance.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 480 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 480kcal | 24% |
| Carbs | 34g | |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 109mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 214mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 413mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 2368IU | 47% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 142mg | 14% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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