Description
This Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta recipe combines tender bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with Cajun spices and coated in a luscious honey butter sauce, perfectly tossed with al dente pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish delivers a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making it an irresistible weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside for later.
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to evenly coat all the chicken for a flavorful base.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Melt the Butter: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, allowing the pan to absorb all flavor remnants.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Add the minced garlic and ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the melted butter. Sauté for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes fragrant, infusing the sauce with a mild spicy aroma.
- Add Honey: Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey, cooking for an additional minute to let the sweetness meld beautifully with the spicy butter mixture.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pieces with the honey butter sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Toss Pasta with Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and heated through, combining all the delicious flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley over the dish and add grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For extra heat, keep the crushed red pepper flakes; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor impact.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory touch.
- Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when tossed in the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
