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The Ultimate Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Authentic Flavor, Perfect Sauce

Close-up of Creamy Cajun Pasta with Chicken and Spice, featuring fettuccine coated in an orange sauce and topped with diced chicken and parsley.
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Follow these steps to make a rich, spicy Creamy Cajun Pasta featuring tender chicken and a homemade Cajun spice blend. This recipe focuses on achieving a thick, smooth cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fettuccine pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Spice Mix (see Notes)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun Spice Mix, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the same skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun Spice Mix. Cook for 30 seconds.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the heavy cream and the cubed cream cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Do not let the sauce boil once the cream is added.
  8. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one splash at a time, 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 is fully coated in the sauce.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For the Homemade Cajun Spice Mix: Combine 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat), and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix well.
  • To prevent the sauce from becoming grainy, use low heat when adding the cream and cheese, and stir constantly until smooth. Do not let the sauce boil rapidly.
  • For extra flavor, substitute half the chicken broth with dry white wine.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorzine.com/creamy-cajun-pasta-with-chicken-and-spice/