Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.
2. Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken strips.
3. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. Slowly add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning. Cook the sauce for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish and Serve
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the spicy, creamy goodness!