Creamy Cajun Chicken Fettuccine

A spicy, creamy pasta dish loaded with tender chicken and bold Cajun flavor

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Bold, zesty Cajun seasoning elevates everyday pasta

• Creamy Parmesan sauce clings beautifully to fettuccine

• Easy 30-minute dinner that feels indulgent

• One-skillet recipe for minimal cleanup

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Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Calories: ~550 kcal per serving

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Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 8 oz fettuccine (or pasta of your choice)

• Water & salt for boiling

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ¾ cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated melts best)

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Optional: red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning for more heat

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite).
Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Pasta Tip: Save ½ cup of pasta water before draining — it’s great for loosening the sauce if needed.

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2. Season the Chicken

Place cubed chicken in a bowl and toss with:

• Cajun seasoning

• Salt and pepper

Make sure all pieces are well coated.

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3. Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the seasoned chicken and sauté for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.

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4. Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet (don’t clean it — the brown bits add flavor), add:

• 3 cloves minced garlic

Sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant (but not browned).

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5. Deglaze and Add Cream

Pour in:

• ¾ cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

Stir to combine and gently scrape the pan to lift any flavorful bits from the bottom.

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6. Add Cheese and Simmer

Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in:

• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting. Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that affect texture.

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7. Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the drained pasta and gently toss everything together until the fettuccine is fully coated in the creamy sauce.

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

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8. Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with:

• Fresh chopped parsley

• Extra Parmesan (optional)

• A pinch of red pepper flakes for added kick

Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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Serving Suggestions

Perfect Sides:

• Garlic bread or focaccia

• Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts

• Side Caesar salad or simple arugula salad

Wine Pairing:

• A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Viognier complements the creamy sauce

• Sauvignon Blanc works well if you added extra spice

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Variations & Add-Ins

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Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen sauce

• Freezing: Not ideal due to the dairy-based sauce, which may separate

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Final Notes

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Fettuccine is the perfect combination of bold flavor and rich comfort. It’s an easy weeknight winner or a crowd-pleasing dinner-party dish. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins — the creamy, spiced sauce makes it incredibly versatile.