Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Directions

  1. 1Pat the chicken dry, pound to an even thickness, coat with 1 tbsp olive oil, and season both sides.
  2. 2Boil the pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente; save at least 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  3. 3Heat a large pan or pot over medium heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil, increase to medium-high, and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  4. 4Melt the butter in the same pan, scraping up fond; add shallot and cook for 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  5. 5Reduce heat to medium-low, slowly pour in the cream, add seasonings, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  6. 6Reduce heat to low, add parmesan, and stir until smooth.
  7. 7Add pasta and 1/4 cup pasta water, toss over low heat for 1–2 minutes until silky; add more pasta water as needed, slice the chicken, and top with more parmesan and fresh parsley.

Ingredients

  • 2 whole chicken breast
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp italian seasoning
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 1-2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz rigatoni
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 whole shallot, finely diced
  • 6-8 whole garlic clove, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
  • 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 cup parmesan, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup pasta water