Why Make This Recipe
Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful blend of flavors that brings excitement to your dinner table. This dish combines the heat of Cajun spices with the sweetness of honey and the richness of butter, creating a sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. It’s a quick and easy meal that your family and friends will love. If you’re looking for a dinner that packs a punch and leaves everyone satisfied, this recipe is for you!
How to Make Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz fettuccine (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Set aside.
- Season diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey and simmer gently for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and toss everything together until noodles are well coated. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!
How to Serve Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta
Serve this delicious pasta dish hot, straight from the pan. You can pair it with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice on top may also enhance the flavors and brighten the dish.
How to Store Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will keep well for about 3–4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened.
Tips to Make Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste. If you prefer less heat, use less seasoning.
- Adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can add color and extra nutrition.
- For a richer sauce, consider using half and half instead of heavy cream.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by swapping chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking the protein.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta.
2. Is this dish spicy?
Yes, it has a kick from the Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the spice level by changing the amount of seasoning you use.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
It’s better to avoid freezing creamy pasta dishes, as the sauce may separate when thawed. It’s best to enjoy the leftovers fresh!
Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz fettuccine (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Oil and Others
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Set aside.
- Season diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey and simmer gently for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and toss everything together until noodles are well coated. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.