This restaurant-quality Cajun pasta features tender, spice-crusted chicken strips tossed in a velvety, reduction-based sauce. By combining high-heat searing techniques with a precise emulsion of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan, this dish offers a bold, authentic Southern-style flavor profile. Perfectly al dente pasta ensures each bite is coated in a rich, silky sauce that balances spice and creaminess for an impressive weeknight dinner that is both sophisticated and easy to prepare.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast strips
8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Salt for water
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente; reserve 1/4 cup of starchy water and drain.
Toss chicken strips thoroughly with Cajun seasoning.
Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Sear chicken in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through; remove from pan.
Reduce heat to medium, pour cream into the skillet to deglaze, and simmer until slightly reduced.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and fully melted.
Add the pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat; use reserved water if thinning is needed.
Ensure the heat is low when adding the Parmesan to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the Cajun seasoning.
Find it online: https://kindeat.com/easy-creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta/