Description
Savor the flavors of creamy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta, featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with zesty Cajun spices, tossed with fettuccine in a rich buttery sauce. This dish perfectly balances heat and sweetness, making it ideal for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
### Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta
#### Recipe Description
Indulge in this creamy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta, where tender chicken breasts are seasoned with zesty Cajun spices and tossed with fettuccine in a rich, buttery sauce. This dish balances heat and sweetness, making it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends.
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### Full Ingredients
– **8 oz. fettuccine pasta**
– **1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts**
– **2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning**
– **2 tablespoons olive oil**
– **4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided**
– **3 cloves garlic, minced**
– **1 cup heavy cream**
– **1/2 cup chicken broth**
– **1/4 cup honey**
– **1 cup grated Parmesan cheese**
– **Salt and pepper to taste**
– **Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)**
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### Full Instructions
#### Preparing the Pasta
1. **Boil Water**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. **Cook Pasta**: Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
3. **Reserve Water**: Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
#### Preparing the Chicken
4. **Dry Chicken**: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
5. **Season Chicken**: Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. **Cook Chicken**: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Adjust cooking time for thick breasts if necessary.
7. **Rest Chicken**: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
#### Making the Cajun Honey Butter Sauce
8. **Melt Butter**: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, then add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
9. **Add Cream and Broth**: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
10. **Incorporate Honey**: Add honey, stirring well to incorporate.
11. **Whisk in Cheese**: Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
12. **Season Sauce**: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
#### Combining Everything
13. **Slice Chicken**: Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
14. **Combine Pasta and Sauce**: Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Add more reserved pasta water if needed.
15. **Fold in Chicken**: Gently fold in the sliced chicken, ensuring it’s well coated with the sauce.
16. **Optional Spice**: Optionally, sprinkle additional Cajun seasoning for extra kick.
#### Serving the Dish
17. **Thicken Sauce**: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to thicken.
18. **Plate the Dish**: Serve in bowls or on plates, drizzling extra honey on top and garnishing with chopped parsley.
19. **Enjoy**: Enjoy your delicious creation!
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### Notes
– For added nutrition, consider incorporating spinach or cherry tomatoes when adding the pasta to the sauce.
– For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
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### Prep Time
15 minutes
### Cook Time
30 minutes
### Total Time
45 minutes
### Yield
4 servings
Notes
- For added nutrition, consider incorporating spinach or cherry tomatoes when adding the pasta to the sauce.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes