Print

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A sauté pan with creamy Cajun seasoned chicken and pasta with crispy pancetta, cream, garlic, and parsley.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces pasta (linguine, penne, or fettuccine)

2 to 3 ounces diced pancetta (or bacon)

1 pound diced chicken breast

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (preferably salt-free)

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 1/2 teaspoons grated garlic

1/4 cup chicken broth (unsalted or low sodium)

3/4 cup heavy cream

2/3 cup Parm plus more  for garnish

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water—about 1 teaspoon of salt per quart of water—to a boil.
  2. Cook the pancetta until crispy in a large skillet over medium heat. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pan.
    Crisp pancetta in the sauté pan.
    Credit: Diana Rattray
  3. Place the skillet back over medium heat. Add a few teaspoons of oil if necessary. Toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning and pepper flakes and cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until just cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until just al dente. Save about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the pasta.
    Linguine in a colander for making creamy Cajun chicken pasta.
    Credit: Diana Rattray
  5. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Add the cream and bring to a simmer; reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes or until slightly reduced.
  7. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce has thickened slightly. Return the chicken and pancetta to the skillet and stir. Add the cooked pasta, tossing it to coat it thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water or more cream or broth. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
    Adding the chicken, cream, seasonings, and broth to the sauté pan, making creamy Cajun chicken pasta with pancetta.
    Credit: Diana Rattray
  8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
    A sauté pan with creamy Cajun seasoned chicken and pasta with crispy pancetta, cream, garlic, and parsley.
    Credit: Diana Rattray

Equipment

This content may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Find it online: https://classic-recipes.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta/

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes