Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken and Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce. The blend of Cajun spices and sweet honey butter creates a perfect balance that’s both spicy and sweet. It’s a quick and satisfying meal ideal for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
• Reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the diced chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to ensure even coating and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey and cook for another 30 seconds until combined.
5. Step 5: Pour in heavy cream and whisk continuously until smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. The pasta water helps bind the sauce to the noodles perfectly.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use smoked paprika instead.
• Substitute fettuccine with penne or linguine based on your preference or what you have on hand.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a bright contrast to the rich sauce—try adding them just before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular fettuccine. The sauce and chicken are naturally gluten-free, so no other changes are needed.

Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken and Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 150 reviews

This Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta combines tender, juicy chicken breast seasoned with robust Cajun spices, cooked to golden perfection and tossed in a luscious honey butter cream sauce. Served over al dente fettuccine, this dish balances spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors for a comforting yet exciting meal perfect for any dinner occasion.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Pasta

• 8 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
• Reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the diced chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure an even coating and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook them for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Create the Honey Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the honey and cook for another 30 seconds to combine flavors.
5. Add Cream and Combine: Pour in the heavy cream and whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce.
6. Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly. Add reserved pasta water gradually if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency, helping the sauce cling perfectly to the noodles.
7. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the pasta immediately while hot. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for an extra pop of color and flavor, if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute fettuccine with any pasta shape you prefer, such as linguine or penne.
• The reserved pasta water is essential for achieving a silky sauce that adheres well to the pasta.
• Adjust the amount of honey to make the sauce sweeter or more subtle according to taste.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and optimal juiciness.
• Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and taste in the sauce.

Keywords: Cajun chicken, honey butter sauce, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, fettuccine recipe, quick dinner, easy pasta dish