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Creamy Cajun Chicken

Creamy Cajun Chicken

Spicy Cajun chicken with creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Ready in 35 minutes, this easy one-skillet pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 750
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts thinly sliced
  • 18 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 6 oz cream cheese softened and cubed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • for garnish Fresh parsley

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • Wooden Spoon or Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining and set aside.
  2. Season the thinly sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan over the chicken, cover, and let it melt off heat for one minute.
  5. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant for about 30 seconds.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream and add the cubed cream cheese; stir until smooth and simmer.
  7. Reduce heat and add shredded cheddar, remaining mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan to the sauce, stirring until melted and thick.
  8. Toss the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency; fold in the seared chicken or serve on top.
  9. Garnish each serving with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 750kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 40gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to swap chicken for chicken thighs or shrimp for variation. Use different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni, and adapt the spice level according to preference. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days; add a splash of milk while reheating for a smooth sauce. Avoid freezing as cream sauces may separate upon thawing.
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