Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Directions

  1. 1Pat the chicken dry and pound to an even thickness. Coat with 1 tbsp olive oil, then season on 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. Set pasta aside.
  3. 3Heat a large pan or pot over medium heat for a few minutes. Add 2 tbsp olive oil, increase to medium-high, add the chicken. Sear until golden, then reduce heat if needed and cook through. Set aside to rest.
  4. 4Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, melt the butter, scraping up all that fond. Add the shallot and cook for 5 minutes, add the garlic, cook for 1 more minute.
  5. 5Reduce heat to medium-low, slowly pour in the cream. Add the seasonings and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add the parmesan and stir until smooth.
  6. 6Add the pasta and 1/4 cup pasta water, toss over low heat for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is silky. Add more pasta water as needed. Slice the chicken, add it on top, and finish with more parmesan.

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 (optional)
  • 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

Equipment

panpot

Tips

  • Please use fresh parmesan.
  • The cayenne pepper is optional.
  • Add more pasta water as needed if the sauce is too thick.