If you’re craving a dish that blends the perfect amount of heat, sweetness, and creamy comfort, this Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta is exactly what you need. Tender chicken strips are seasoned with Cajun spices and tossed in a rich, honey-butter sauce. The creamy sauce, combined with Parmesan and a dash of heat from red pepper flakes, makes for an indulgent and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon honey
8 oz penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips evenly with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the honey and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), letting the mixture bubble gently for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until combined and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. Then add the cooked pasta, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a flavorful vegetarian version of this dish.
Different Pasta: You can use any type of pasta you like, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni, depending on your preference.
Extra Heat: For an even spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Cheese Variations: Try adding a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda for a different twist on the flavor.
Gluten-Free: Swap out the pasta for gluten-free penne or any gluten-free pasta of your choice.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work just as well. They’re a bit more tender and juicy, so feel free to substitute if you prefer dark meat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
I recommend making the pasta fresh for the best texture. However, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance and store them separately. When ready to serve, just reheat and add the pasta.
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Definitely! While penne works wonderfully, you can swap it for any pasta shape you prefer, like spaghetti, rigatoni, or farfalle.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a nice spicy kick thanks to the Cajun seasoning and optional crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer it milder, you can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes.
Can I freeze this dish?
I don’t recommend freezing the entire dish because the creamy sauce may separate when reheated. However, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months and reheat on the stove when ready to serve.
Conclusion
This Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta is a crowd-pleaser that combines spice, sweetness, and creaminess in every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a dinner for friends and family, this dish is sure to satisfy and leave everyone asking for seconds. The balance of flavors and the ease of preparation make it one of my go-to comfort meals.
Recipe:
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Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and creamy dish that combines spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken with a sweet honey butter sauce, tossed with pasta and topped with Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon honey
8 oz penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken strips evenly with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the honey and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), letting the mixture bubble gently for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until combined and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. Then add the cooked pasta, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a flavorful vegetarian version of this dish.
Different Pasta: You can use any type of pasta you like, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni, depending on your preference.
Extra Heat: For an even spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Cheese Variations: Try adding a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda for a different twist on the flavor.
Gluten-Free: Swap out the pasta for gluten-free penne or any gluten-free pasta of your choice.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
