Description
Spicy blackened chicken pasta brings southern comfort to dinner tables with bold Cajun-inspired flavors. Creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta and Sauce Base:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun spice blend
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat, ensuring ample space for pasta to cook evenly.
- Submerge pasta into boiling water and cook until tender yet firm, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Generously coat chicken breasts with Cajun spice blend, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature, reaching approximately 375°F, creating a hot cooking surface.
- Place seasoned chicken into heated skillet, cooking for 6-7 minutes on each side until exterior develops a rich golden-brown crust and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3-4 minutes to retain juices, then slice into thin strips.
- In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and allow to sizzle for 30 seconds, releasing aromatic oils.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until leaves wilt and become vibrant green, approximately 2 minutes.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, introducing lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Combine sliced chicken, cooked pasta, and creamy sauce, tossing gently to ensure complete and even coating.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe consumption and prevent foodborne illness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged varieties.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity based on personal spice preference by adding more or less spice blend.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories and fat content.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 950 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 64 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 36 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 52 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg