Description
A quick, 30-minute weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs, fettuccine, and a rich, spicy Cajun-infused cream sauce. This high-protein comfort food balances indulgence with fuel for busy days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- Salt for pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove and rest.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return sliced chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss with pasta water as needed to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. Do not rinse pasta after draining. Slice chicken against the grain for tenderness. If using chicken breast, pound to even thickness. Sauce may separate if boiled too vigorously; keep simmer gentle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate with sauce a
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Cajun chicken, Alfredo pasta, weeknight dinner, creamy pasta, high protein, 30 minute meals, chicken thighs, comfort food