Why You’ll Love Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors: the smoky heat from Cajun seasoning, the sweetness of honey, and the richness of butter and cream. It’s a one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The versatility allows for substitutions to cater to different dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delightful meal.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
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2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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¼ cup unsalted butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons honey
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½ cup heavy cream
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8 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
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Reserved pasta water (as needed)
directions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
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Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
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Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in honey and simmer for 1 minute.
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Add Cream: Pour in heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
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Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
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Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
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Preparation time: 10 minutes
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Cooking time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Protein Substitutes: Replace chicken with shrimp, sliced sausage, or tofu for a different protein option.
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Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based butter and coconut cream to make the dish dairy-free.
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the heat. For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
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Vegetable Add-ins: Incorporate bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
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Sweetener Alternatives: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweet profile.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with penne, linguine, or any pasta shape you prefer.
Is this dish spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning used. Adjust to your taste preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, replace the chicken with tofu or a variety of vegetables for a vegetarian version.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I prepare this meal in advance?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread pairs well with this creamy pasta dish.
Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the cream sauce may separate upon reheating.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
Increase or decrease the amount of honey to suit your desired level of sweetness.
Is there a non-dairy substitute for heavy cream?
Coconut cream or a blend of plant-based milk and cornstarch can be used as a non-dairy alternative.
Can I add cheese to this dish?
Yes, a sprinkle of Parmesan or shredded mozzarella can enhance the flavor.
Conclusion
Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the heat of Cajun spices with the sweetness of honey and the richness of a creamy sauce. Its versatility allows for various substitutions to cater to different dietary preferences, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress and delight.
Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta
Indulge in the bold flavors of Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta—a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet dish that combines tender chicken, zesty Cajun spices, and a luscious honey butter sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
- Reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. - Prepare the Chicken:
Season diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. - Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in honey and let simmer for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and stir until smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. - Combine Chicken and Pasta:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. - Serve:
Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a low-fat cream alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
