Description
This Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta balances smoky Cajun heat with a sweet buttery finish for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine (or your favorite pasta, such as penne or rigatoni)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-size pieces
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Toss with Cajun seasoning, plus salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in 2 tbsp honey and simmer for about 1 minute.
- Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Cook until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Add pasta and toss, adding reserved pasta water until achieving a silky consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use certified GF pasta. Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun