Description
This Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta is a flavorful and juicy dish combining tender chicken chunks seasoned with Cajun spices, coated in a luscious honey butter garlic sauce, and tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delightful meal that’s both comforting and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Sauce and Pasta
- 1/3 cup Honey
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 8 ounces Fettuccine (or preferred pasta)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (optional, chopped)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and toss with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for later use, then drain the pasta.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Prepare the Honey Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.
- Add Honey and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in the honey, mixing well to combine with the butter and garlic. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, balancing the spicy and sweet flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the honey butter sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Toss Pasta with Chicken: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes over low heat, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful finish and serve the dish hot.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta if a gluten-free version is desired.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial to adjust the sauce consistency for a silky finish.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
