Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken with Creamy Pasta (Print version)

Cajun chicken bites tossed with fettuccine in a creamy honey butter sauce with garlic, Parmesan, and just enough heat.

# Ingredients:

For the pasta and chicken

01 - 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or penne
02 - 1 1/4 lb (565 g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
03 - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
04 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the honey butter cream sauce

07 - 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter
08 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 2 tablespoons honey
10 - 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
11 - 1/2 cup (50 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water, plus more as needed
13 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or sliced green onions

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
02 - Pat the chicken dry. Toss with 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning as needed, until golden and 165°F inside. Transfer to a plate.
04 - Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet, then stir in garlic for 30 seconds. Add honey and the remaining Cajun seasoning, letting it bubble gently for 1 minute.
05 - Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
06 - Return the chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss with enough reserved pasta water to make the sauce glossy and loose enough to coat the noodles.
07 - Taste and add lemon juice if the sauce needs brightness. Sprinkle with parsley or green onions and serve hot.

# Good to know:

01 - Use low-sodium Cajun seasoning if you are sensitive to salt.
02 - Best served right after tossing while the sauce is creamy and glossy.
03 - Reserve more pasta water than you think you need.

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