We all have those nights where we stare into the fridge and wonder what to make for dinner. You want something comforting. You want something that feels like a warm hug after a long day. But you also do not want to spend hours standing over a hot stove. That is exactly where this Creamy Chicken Pasta comes in to save the day.
Imagine tender bites of chicken breast that are perfectly seared until golden brown. Now picture those pieces tossed in a luxurious sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, and a kick of Cajun seasoning. It is the kind of meal that makes everyone run to the table.
This dish balances rich flavors with a bit of spice. It is one of those Easy Chicken Pasta Recipes that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. Yet you can make it right in your own kitchen with basic tools. You do not need to be a professional chef to pull this off.
If you are looking for the ultimate Chicken Pasta Dinner, you have found it. This recipe is fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Let me walk you through how to make this delicious meal step by step.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why this Creamy Chicken Pasta is about to become a regular in your weekly rotation. First of all, it is incredibly fast. You can have the entire meal on the table in about 30 minutes. That makes it perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
Another reason to love this dish is the flavor profile. Many Creamy Pasta Dishes can be a bit one note. They are just rich and salty. This recipe adds a layer of excitement with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. It wakes up your taste buds without being overwhelmingly spicy.
You will also appreciate how flexible this recipe is. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have in your pantry. It is budget friendly too. You do not need expensive cuts of meat or hard to find specialty items. Everything is likely already in your kitchen or available at your local grocery store.
Finally, this is a crowd pleaser. Kids love the creamy sauce and noodles. Adults love the savory depth of flavor. It is a win for the whole family. Plus, cleanup is relatively easy since most of the action happens in a single skillet.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Creamy Chicken Pasta, you will need the following simple ingredients. Gather everything up before you start cooking to make the process smooth and stress free.
- 16 oz. fettuccine, cooked al dente
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this Creamy Chicken Pasta is straightforward. Follow these instructions closely to ensure your sauce is silky and your chicken is juicy.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your fettuccine noodles to the water. You want to cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This means they should still have a slight bite to them.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water. Set the noodles aside for now. To prevent them from sticking, you can toss them with a tiny splash of olive oil while they wait.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While your water is boiling or the pasta is cooking, you can prep the meat. Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. You want to pound them to an even thickness, roughly 1 inch thick. A meat mallet works best for this.
Pounding the chicken ensures it cooks evenly so you do not end up with dry edges and a raw center. Season both sides of the chicken generously. Use 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning, the 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and pepper to taste. Rub the spices in slightly so they stick.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Grab a Dutch oven or a large skillet. Place it over medium to high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let the butter melt and start to foam slightly.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan. You should hear a nice sizzle immediately. Sear the chicken on each side until it is golden brown. This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a clean cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes. Then, cut the chicken into thick slices or bite sized pieces. Transfer the chicken and any juices that accumulated on the board to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Start the Sauce Base
Now it is time to build flavor. Reduce the heat under your skillet to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the same pan you used for the chicken. Do not wipe the pan out! Those brown bits on the bottom are full of flavor.
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. You just want it to become fragrant, not burnt. Burnt garlic can taste bitter, so keep an eye on it.
Step 5: Deglaze and Simmer
Stir in the tomato paste. Mix it with the garlic and butter for a moment. Then, pour in the chicken broth and the heavy cream. This is where the magic happens.
Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This technique is called deglazing, and it adds incredible depth to your Creamy Chicken Pasta sauce. Stir well to mix everything together.
If there are any juices on the plate where the chicken is resting, pour those into the sauce too. We do not want to waste any flavor.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Add the chopped parsley. Now, slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It is important to stir or whisk continuously during this part.
You want the cheese to melt smoothly into the liquid without clumping. Once the cheese is incorporated, season the sauce with the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, the lemon juice, and more pepper.
Do a quick taste test here. Does it need more salt? More spice? Adjust the seasonings to your preference. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. It should thicken up nicely and coat the back of a spoon.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Add your cooked fettuccine pasta back into the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in that luxurious cream sauce.
You have two options for the chicken. You can either top the pasta with the sliced chicken for a nice presentation, or you can mix the chicken pieces right into the sauce to coat them as well. Both ways are delicious.
Dish the pasta out onto plates. Serve it hot, sprinkled with a little extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!
How To Store Leftovers
If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, this Creamy Chicken Pasta stores reasonably well. You will want to place any remaining pasta in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
When you are ready to eat it again, you need to be gentle with the reheating process. Cream sauces can sometimes separate if they get too hot too fast. The microwave works, but use 50 percent power and stir frequently.
A better way to reheat is on the stove. Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. You might notice the sauce looks a bit thick or dry. This is normal because the pasta absorbs the liquid in the fridge.
To fix this, add a splash of water, milk, or chicken broth to the pan while reheating. Stir gently as it warms up. This will help bring the creamy texture back to life. Once it is heated through, it is ready to enjoy again.
Tips
Want to make sure your Creamy Chicken Pasta turns out perfect every time? Here are a few expert tips to help you out.
First, grate your own cheese. I cannot stress this enough. Pre shredded cheese from the store is often coated with anti caking agents like potato starch. These agents prevent the cheese from melting smoothly.
If you use pre shredded cheese, your sauce might end up grainy or gritty. Buying a block of Parmesan and grating it yourself takes a few extra minutes, but the result is a silky, smooth sauce that is totally worth it.
Second, do not skip the lemon juice. You might think lemon sounds strange in a creamy pasta, but it is essential. The acidity cuts through the richness of the heavy cream and butter.
It brightens up the whole dish and balances the flavors. You won’t necessarily taste a strong lemon flavor, but you will notice if it is missing. It just makes everything taste better.
Third, manage your heat. When you add the garlic, make sure the pan is not screaming hot or the garlic will burn instantly. When you simmer the sauce, keep it at a gentle bubble. Boiling cream too vigorously can sometimes cause it to curdle.
Finally, feel free to customize. While this recipe calls for fettuccine, you can use penne, rotini, or bow ties. The sauce clings well to almost any shape. You can also add veggies like spinach or bell peppers if you want to add some color to your Chicken Pasta Dinner.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Pasta is truly a lifesaver for busy home cooks. It delivers big, bold flavors without requiring hours of prep work. The combination of spicy Cajun seasoning and rich, velvety cream sauce is hard to beat.
Whether you are cooking for a date night or feeding a hungry family, this dish hits the mark. It is comforting, filling, and undeniably delicious. Plus, the fact that you can make it in one main skillet makes cleanup a breeze.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also want to try making a Baked Chicken Pasta version by tossing everything in a casserole dish and topping it with mozzarella before popping it in the oven. That is the beauty of pasta; it is endlessly versatile.
So next time you are stuck on what to make for dinner, remember this recipe. It is one of those Easy Chicken Pasta Recipes that you will want to make again and again. Grab your ingredients and get cooking!
FAQ
Here are some common questions about making this delicious pasta dish.
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, absolutely. To make this dish gluten free, simply swap the regular fettuccine for your favorite gluten free pasta. Rice pasta, corn pasta, or even chickpea pasta work well. Just be sure to check your Cajun seasoning blend to ensure it does not contain any hidden gluten fillers.
Is This Recipe Very Spicy?
It has a mild kick, but it is not overwhelmingly hot. The heat level depends largely on the specific brand of Cajun seasoning you use. If you are sensitive to spice, start with half the amount of seasoning and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you cannot take it out.
Can I Use Milk Instead of Heavy Cream?
You can use milk, but the sauce will be much thinner and less rich. If you want to cut calories but keep the creamy texture, try using half and half. If you use milk, you might need to add a little flour or cornstarch slurry to help thicken the sauce properly.
What Can I Serve With This?
This pasta is quite rich, so it pairs well with lighter side dishes. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect contrast. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus are also great options. And of course, a piece of crusty garlic bread is always welcome to sop up the extra sauce.
Can I Use Pre Cooked Chicken?
Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time. If you do this, skip the searing step. Just make the sauce as instructed, and then stir in the cooked chicken at the end to warm it through. This makes it an even faster Chicken Pasta Dinner option.
Creamy Chicken Pasta
This quick and easy Creamy Chicken Pasta is the perfect 30-minute weeknight dinner. Tender chicken is tossed in a luxurious, flavorful cream sauce with a kick of Cajun seasoning for a comforting meal the whole family will love.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Pound chicken breasts to an even 1-inch thickness. Season both sides with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Remove from skillet, let rest, then slice.
- Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato paste, then deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Bring to a gentle boil. Stir in parsley and slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with the remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and more pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Add the cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
For the smoothest sauce, always grate your own Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Don’t skip the lemon juice! The acidity is crucial for cutting through the richness of the cream and balancing the flavors of the dish.
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers along with the garlic.
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