Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta (Print version)

Juicy Cajun chicken tossed with creamy pasta and a glossy honey butter sauce for a sweet, spicy weeknight dinner.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken

01 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
02 - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
05 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the honey butter sauce

07 - 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter
08 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1/3 cup (113 g) honey
10 - 1 tablespoon hot sauce, plus more to taste
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the pasta

12 - 12 oz (340 g) penne or rigatoni
13 - 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
14 - 3/4 cup (75 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
15 - 1/2 to 1 cup reserved pasta water
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
17 - Crushed red pepper, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
02 - Pat the chicken dry. Toss with 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning as needed, until browned and cooked through to 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
04 - Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add butter to the same skillet, then stir in garlic for 30 seconds. Add honey, hot sauce, and lemon juice, stirring until glossy.
05 - Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan until melted, then loosen with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water.
06 - Add the drained pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss until coated, adding more pasta water as needed. Finish with parsley, remaining Cajun seasoning to taste, and crushed red pepper if desired.

# Good to know:

01 - Serve right away while the sauce is loose and glossy.
02 - Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
03 - If your Cajun seasoning is salty, reduce the added salt.

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