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Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

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meta.name.recipe: Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Intensity: Medium

Servings: 4

A Symphony of Sweet Heat and Savory Comfort

Get ready to awaken your taste buds with this Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta! This dish is a masterclass in balance, featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts coated in a fiery Cajun spice rub, all nestled in a bed of fettuccine and smothered in a luxuriously simple sauce. The star of the show is the pan sauce—a magical blend of browned butter, a kick of heat from the Cajun spices, and a generous drizzle of golden honey that mellows everything into a perfectly harmonious glaze. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that is deceptively easy to make, delivering a powerful punch of flavor in under 45 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special or for impressing guests with your culinary flair.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Pasta:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), halved horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets

  • 2 tbsp homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning (see note for spice level)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 12 oz (340g) fettuccine or linguine pasta

  • Salt, for pasta water

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Honey Butter Sauce:

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Components

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. This is the foundation for your pasta, so don’t be shy with the salt—it should taste like the sea.
While the water heats, pat the chicken cutlets completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a beautiful, golden sear instead of steam. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over both sides of each cutlet, pressing gently to help it adhere.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken cutlets. You should hear a confident sizzle.
Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Avoid moving the chicken around too much to ensure a proper sear. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil to rest.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta and Start the Sauce

Once your water is boiling, add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, return the skillet you used for the chicken to medium heat. There will be delicious browned bits (the “fond”) left behind—this is pure flavor! Add 4 tablespoons of the butter to the skillet. As it melts, use a wooden spoon or whisk to scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom. Let the butter cook for 1-2 minutes until it just begins to foam and smell nutty.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4: Build the Luscious Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any remaining bits. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and honey. Whisk continuously until the honey is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. It will continue to thicken once you add the pasta.
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and the lemon juice. The cold butter will help create a silkier, more emulsified sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Remember, the Cajun seasoning on the chicken is salty and spicy, so taste before adding more salt.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

By now, your pasta should be perfectly al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the honey butter sauce. Use tongs to toss thoroughly, ensuring every strand of pasta is coated in the glorious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Slice the rested chicken against the grain into strips.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Divide the saucy pasta among four bowls. Top with the sliced Cajun honey butter chicken. Drizzle any extra sauce from the skillet over the top and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible symphony of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors!

Chef’s Notes & Tips

  • Spice Level Control: This recipe is written for a medium-hot spice level. For a milder dish, use a mild Cajun seasoning or make your own blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme, with just a pinch of cayenne. For extra heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice rub or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the finished sauce.

  • Don’t Crowd the Pan: If your skillet isn’t large enough to fit all four chicken cutlets without touching, cook them in two batches. Crowding the pan will steam the chicken instead of searing it.

  • The Power of Pasta Water: Never skip reserving pasta water! The starchy liquid is a magical ingredient that helps bind the sauce to the pasta and adjust the consistency perfectly.

  • Protein Swap: This sauce is also fantastic with shrimp or sliced andouille sausage. For shrimp, sauté them for 1-2 minutes per side in the Cajun spice until pink and opaque, then set aside and proceed with the sauce.

Nutrition Information

Please note: The following is an estimate based on the ingredients used and serving sizes. Actual values may vary.

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: ~780
Total Fat: 32g

  • Saturated Fat: 17g

  • Trans Fat: 0g
    Cholesterol: 155mg
    Sodium: ~450mg (will vary based on Cajun seasoning used)
    Total Carbohydrates: 85g

  • Dietary Fiber: 3g

  • Total Sugars: 24g

  • Includes Added Sugars: 23g (from honey)
    Protein: 38g

Vitamin D: 1mcg
Calcium: 65mg
Iron: 4mg
Potassium: 550mg

The Last Bite

This Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The journey from searing the spiced chicken to whisking together the simple yet transformative sauce is a rewarding process that culminates in a dish with undeniable “wow” factor. The tender chicken, coated in its caramelized spice crust, pairs perfectly with the rich, silky pasta, while the honey provides a sweet counterpoint that tames the heat just enough to keep you coming back for more. It’s a recipe that promises and delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

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