Go Back
A serving of rich creamy cajun chicken pasta, topped with fresh parsley.

Spicy Cajun Chicken Fettuccine

This creamy and spicy Cajun chicken fettuccine is a quick and satisfying meal, featuring tender chicken in a rich, flavorful sauce with al dente pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 portions

Equipment

  • large skillet or Dutch oven
  • wooden spoon
  • pot

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2-3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning adjust to spice preference
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 12-16 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • Pat the chicken pieces dry and toss them with 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning until well coated.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet, then sear the seasoned chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through; set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute, then stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning for 30 seconds.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up browned bits, then stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Reduce heat to low, gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth, and simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken; season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook fettuccine according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  • Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce, toss everything together until coated, and add reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, then serve hot.

Notes

For extra spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Cajun seasoning. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth. Ensure your fettuccine is cooked to al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce.