Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken and Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
