Name: Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp honey; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Description

A creamy, slightly sweet, and properly spicy pasta dish that combines tender diced chicken with fettuccine in a glossy butter-honey cream sauce with a Cajun kick, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp honey
1/2 cup heavy cream
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
Pat the diced chicken dry. Toss with Cajun seasoning, plus a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes, flip, and cook 3–4 more minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium. Add 1/4 cup butter to the same skillet and let it melt, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Add 2 tbsp honey and simmer gently for 1 minute.
Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream, stir, and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. If it seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the sauce.
Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss everything until the noodles are evenly coated. Use reserved pasta water 1–2 tbsp at a time to reach the desired sauciness.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Make it gluten-free by swapping the pasta. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and coconut milk. You can also replace chicken with shrimp or sausage.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun