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Creamy Cajun Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Sauce | Spicy & Savory

Creamy Cajun Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Sauce


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients You’ll Need:

To create this indulgent yet simple dish, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine works well)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin strips. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly, making the dish come together faster. Season the strips generously with Cajun seasoning, and don’t shy away from the spices—they’re what give this dish its bold, smoky flavor!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is being prepared, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta (penne or fettuccine), and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Keep a little pasta water just in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later.

Step 3: Cook the Cajun Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned on the edges. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Then, add the heavy cream and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, letting it thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cherry tomatoes. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and tomatoes in that luscious sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, feel free to add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Variation:

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta: It’s essential to cook the pasta just until al dente. Overcooking it can result in mushy pasta, which will not hold up well in the creamy sauce.
  • Monitor the heat: When making the creamy Parmesan sauce, don’t let it come to a full boil. Instead, keep the heat on low to medium and let it simmer gently. This helps the sauce thicken without separating.
  • Rest the chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 650
  • Sodium: 870
  • Protein: 38