Craving a bold, creamy, and flavorful meal that is easy to whip up? Look no further than this One-Pot Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe. This delectable dish combines juicy, Cajun-seasoned chicken with a rich honey butter sauce to create a perfectly balanced meal. The heat from the Cajun seasoning paired with the sweetness of the honey makes every bite a delightful experience. Even better, the dish is prepared in just one pot, which means easy cleanup! This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal that doesn’t require tons of prep work or dishes. With its blend of spicy, sweet, and comforting flavors, this one-pot meal is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta
This dish promises a perfect blend of flavors and simplicity. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick & Easy: Prepared in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required, saving you time and effort.
- Bold Flavors: The Cajun seasoning brings a spicy kick, balanced with the sweetness of honey.
- Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying – just what you need for a cozy evening.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you embark on making this delicious One-Pot Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta, it’s important to get your kitchen and workspace prepped. Make sure you have enough counter space for chopping and mixing. Lay out all the necessary ingredients so they’re within easy reach during the cooking process. You will need a large deep skillet or Dutch oven for cooking everything in one pot, reducing the amount of dirty dishes later. A sharp chef’s knife will be your best friend for slicing that chicken into bite-sized pieces, and a wooden spoon will help you stir everything with ease. Having a small bowl ready for mixing seasonings will also keep you organized as you cook.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This ensures that each piece is packed with flavor from the very first bite.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Once hot, sear the chicken pieces until they’re golden brown and cooked through. This process should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Create the Honey Butter Sauce
In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter, minced garlic, and honey. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and is bubbling. Make sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the pot from cooking the chicken; this will enhance the flavor of the dish.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Then add the pasta directly into the boiling broth, stirring often to keep the strands separate. Cook uncovered for about 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed.
Step 5: Combine Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken to the pot and pour in the heavy cream. Stir everything well and let it simmer for about 5-6 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan
Finally, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it is melted and well combined with the rest of the ingredients. For a finishing touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Variations
- Protein: Swap out chicken for shrimp or add sausage for a twist on this dish.
- Vegetables: Throw in bell peppers or zucchini to add some veggies to your meal.
- Spices: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice tolerance.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your pasta is cooked just right by testing for doneness a few minutes before the end of the cooking time.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Add a side of garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Pair with a light salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Be mindful of the salt content in the Cajun seasoning chosen, as it may affect the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Preparation is key! Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start cooking.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
- Protein: 36 grams
- Sodium: May vary depending on Cajun seasoning
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine are excellent options, you can use whichever pasta you have on hand or prefer.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spice level, use less Cajun seasoning or opt for a mild version.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a great option for meal prep. Simply store portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk as a substitute for heavy cream.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor, making it a go-to choice for your weeknight meals. Its combination of juicy chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and sweet honey butter sauce is truly irresistible. Whether served on its own or with a side, this dish is sure to satisfy any craving. Feel free to experiment with variations to suit your preferences, and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family. We’d love to hear about your cooking experiences, so leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out!
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One-Pot Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pot Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe is a deliciously creamy meal that combines spicy Cajun flavors with sweet honey.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown.
- In the same pot, reduce heat and add butter, garlic, and honey. Stir until bubbling.
- Add chicken broth and boil. Add pasta and cook uncovered until tender.
- Return chicken to the pot, add heavy cream, and simmer to meld flavors.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Ensure your pasta is cooked to your preference. Adjust the sauce thickness as desired by simmering longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving
- Sodium: May vary depending on Cajun seasoning
- Protein: 36 grams