Grilled Cajun chicken pasta

This grilled Cajun chicken pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend entertaining friends.

This pasta is one of my all-time favorite dishes, and for a good reason. It is the perfect blend of bold Cajun spices, succulent grilled chicken, and tender pasta, topped off with a creamy sauce that brings it all together. It's a great way to bring a restaurant-style dish to your kitchen table.

What is Cajun chicken pasta?

This is a dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with tender grilled chicken and al dente pasta. The chicken breasts are seasoned with Cajun spices then grilled to lock in all the flavors. Add that along with a creamy sauce made from heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a little more Cajun seasoning. The addition of smoked chorizo really brings the whole dish together.

Where did Cajun Chicken come from?

I've come to appreciate the cultural significance of Cajun cuisine. The cuisine originated in Louisiana and is heavily influenced by French, African, and Native American cultures. It's a cuisine that's deeply rooted in history and tradition, and it's a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Cajun people.

Make your own Cajun Seasoning

This homemade Cajun seasoning recipe is the perfect blend of zesty, spicy, and savory flavors that are sure to kick any dish up a delicious notch. Most of the ingredients to make Cajun seasoning is usually readily available at home. If you don't have time to make your own, store bought is perfectly fine and honestly both are equally delicious.

To start, mix 3 tablespoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoon fine kosher salt, 2 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon ground white pepper, 1 tablespoon onion powder,1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1tbsp cayenne, and ½ tablespoon dried thyme in a bowl. You can store this seasoning in a sealed container for up 6 months. 

How to make cajun chicken pasta

To make grilled Cajun chicken pasta, start by drizzling on some olive oil to your chicken breasts. Next, season your chicken breast with homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning.

Next, grill the chicken breasts on medium high heat until they are cooked through and have a nice char on the outside. You can also sear your chicken on the stove top or even bake if you prefer that option.

Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, let them rest for a few minutes before slicing into them. Grill the smoked chorizo or sausage at the same time.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. You can use any type of pasta you like, but penne or fettuccine works well with this dish. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

To make the creamy sauce, melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Then add heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and sliced chorizo to the skillet. Then toss until everything is well combined. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of chicken broth or pasta water.

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Serve it up with your favorite sides and some buttery rolls or garlic bread. Now we're taking!

Here are a few variations to try:

• Shrimp and Sausage: Add cooked shrimp and sliced andouille sausage to the skillet along with the chicken or you can substitute shrimp for chicken. 
• Creamy Tomato: Add a can of diced tomatoes to the skillet along with the heavy cream and chicken broth for a tangy, creamy sauce.
• Different types of sauce: Instead of a creamy sauce, you can make a tomato-based sauce with diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Cajun spices. This version of the dish is called Cajun chicken pasta with tomato sauce and is just as delicious as the creamy version.
• Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the skillet along with the Cajun seasoning for an extra kick of heat.

Grilled Cajun chicken pasta is a filling and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed for any occasion. With a creamy sauce and bold flavors, it's sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a winner. Trust me, if you love pasta and love Cajun flavors, you are going to make this all the time. Try it out and let me know what you think!

Love Cajun food? Try these recipes:

Grilled Cajun wings

Grilled Cajun shrimp Po Boys

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