Description
A fast, weeknight-friendly pasta loaded with juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, a glossy honey-butter garlic sauce, and just enough heat to keep every bite exciting. The sauce clings to the noodles, balancing sweet, spicy, and savory in one skillet.
Ingredients
12 oz fettuccine
1 1/4 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in 1-inch cubes
1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for smokier flavor)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp honey
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (or low-sodium chicken broth)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 lemon, juiced (optional, to brighten)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook fettuccine to al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
2. Pat chicken dry; toss with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 5-7 minutes, turning once, until browned and cooked through; transfer to a plate.
4. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet; when melted and foamy, stir in garlic 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Whisk in honey and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to create a glossy sauce; simmer 1 minute.
6. Return chicken (and any juices) to the skillet; toss to coat.
7. Add cooked pasta and splash in more pasta water as needed so the sauce lightly coats the noodles.
8. Taste and adjust: more Cajun seasoning for heat, more honey for sweetness, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
9. Finish with parsley and (optional) red pepper flakes.
10. Serve immediately while silky and hot.
Notes
Toast the spices by searing seasoned chicken in a properly hot pan to bloom flavor and lock in juiciness.
Control the gloss with pasta water; add in small splashes until the sauce coats every strand without pooling.
For a richer version, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or 2 tbsp cream cheese off the heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Chicken
- Method: Stovetop, One-Skillet
- Cuisine: American-Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: cajun chicken pasta, honey butter chicken, spicy pasta, weeknight dinner, skillet meal