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Blackened Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy Cajun Cream Sauce Dinner

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A flavorful blackened chicken pasta with a creamy Cajun sauce that balances bold spices and rich creaminess, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and slice into ½ inch thick strips. Generously sprinkle Cajun seasoning over all sides.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips in a single layer and cook 3-4 minutes per side until a dark crust forms and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  7. Return chicken to skillet and coat with sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine so noodles soak up the sauce.
  8. Squeeze lemon juice over pasta and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  9. Serve immediately, ensuring each plate has chicken and sauce.

Notes

Reduce cayenne powder or add more cream to mellow spice. Cook chicken in batches to avoid steaming. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best sauce texture. Avoid boiling sauce to prevent curdling. Reserved pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened chicken pasta, Cajun cream sauce, easy dinner, spicy chicken pasta, creamy pasta, weeknight meal

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