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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce – Rich, Spicy & Irresistible!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce – Rich, Spicy & Irresistible!

A 30-minute Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta packed with bold spice, buttery garlic flavor, and luxurious creaminess perfect for weeknights or romantic dinners. Easy, comforting, and guaranteed to impress every time!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta
  • 300 g 10.5 oz / about 3 cups penne pasta
  • 1 ½ tsp salt for boiling water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil to coat pasta after boiling
  • For the Cajun Chicken
  • 2 large chicken breasts about 450 g / 1 lb, sliced into strips
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper adjust to spice preference
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • For the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups 360 ml whole milk
  • 1 cup 240 ml heavy cream
  • ½ cup 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp red chili flakes optional for extra heat
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 cup 100 g baby spinach
  • ½ cup mushrooms sautéed
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Boil the Pasta:
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook for 10-11 minutes until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  3. Season the Chicken:
  4. In a bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken strips until fully coated.
  5. Sear the Chicken:
  6. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (190°C / 375°F).
  7. Cook chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  8. Make the Garlic Butter Base:
  9. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  10. Create the Roux:
  11. Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1 minute until golden. This will help thicken your sauce.
  12. Add Milk & Cream:
  13. Slowly pour in milk and cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Lower heat and simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  14. Season the Sauce:
  15. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust flavor.
  16. Combine Chicken & Pasta:
  17. Return cooked chicken to the pan. Add drained pasta and toss gently until well coated.
  18. Add a splash of pasta water if sauce feels too thick.
  19. Add Optional Mix-Ins:
  20. Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or lemon zest. Let spinach wilt slightly.
  21. Serve:
  22. Plate the creamy Cajun chicken pasta, top with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil or chili oil for added flavor.

Notes

  • Pasta Water Magic: Reserve at least ½ cup of pasta water. The starch helps your sauce cling beautifully to the pasta and prevents it from drying out.
  • Butter is Flavor: Use real butter, not margarine it makes the garlic base richer and silkier.
  • Juicy Chicken Secret: Pat chicken dry before seasoning; it helps form that flavorful golden crust.
  • Spice Control: For a mild version, reduce Cajun and cayenne by half. For heat lovers, add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with grilled mushrooms, roasted cauliflower, or tofu.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream with full-fat coconut milk and use olive oil instead of butter.
  • Garlic Perfection: Add garlic only after butter melts it burns quickly and turns bitter if added too soon.
  • Bright Finish: A squeeze of lemon before serving balances the richness and enhances the Cajun spices.
  • Cheese Tip: Always add Parmesan off the heat for a creamy melt instead of clumping.
  • Reheating Tip: Reheat slowly with milk or cream, stirring constantly avoid microwaving at full power.
  • Meal-Prep Friendly: Make the sauce and chicken ahead, then toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving for best texture.