Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta is a delightful dish that brings bold, smoky flavors together with creamy richness in a way that is both indulgent and comforting. This easy, one-pan recipe combines Cajun-spiced chicken with a honey-butter sauce and a hint of garlic, all coating tender pasta for a truly crave-worthy meal. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy date night, this dish delivers a balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess that will make it a fast favorite in your household. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the perfect choice when you need a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
-
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1/4 cup unsalted butter
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
2 tbsp honey
-
1/2 cup heavy cream
-
8 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
-
Reserved pasta water (as needed)
Directions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. -
Prepare the Chicken:
Season the diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. -
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter, then add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Stir in the honey and let it simmer for 1 minute.
Add the heavy cream and stir until smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens. -
Combine the Chicken and Pasta:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it to coat with the sauce.
Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss gently to combine everything. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. -
Serve:
Serve the Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta hot. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 4
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 15 minutes
-
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
-
Add Vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, toss in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli.
-
Spice Level: If you want to increase the heat, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
-
Different Pasta: Swap out fettuccine for any pasta you prefer, like penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni.
-
Make it Lighter: Use a lighter cream or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little reserved pasta water or milk to help loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful option.
2. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can substitute Cajun seasoning with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt.
3. Can I make this dish without honey?
If you prefer not to use honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave for a different kind of sweetness.
4. How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken, or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken the sauce.
5. Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Yes, feel free to swap the fettuccine for any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, spaghetti, or even a gluten-free pasta.
6. Is this recipe spicy?
The Cajun seasoning adds a nice level of heat, but it can be adjusted depending on your tolerance. Add more seasoning or cayenne for an extra kick.
7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, combine with cooked pasta and heat everything through.
8. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use a non-dairy cream, like coconut cream or oat cream.
9. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers, but the cream sauce may separate slightly when reheated. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
10. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or even tempeh.
Conclusion
Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta is the perfect combination of bold flavors, creamy richness, and just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner, an easy meal prep option, or a dish to impress on date night, this recipe delivers. With its quick prep and minimal effort, you can enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal in just 25 minutes. The creamy sauce, the spicy kick, and the sweetness from the honey come together in a way that makes every bite irresistible!
Print
Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food! This dish combines smoky Cajun seasoning, rich honey butter, and a creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta. With tender chicken, a spicy kick, and a hint of sweetness, it’s a quick, indulgent meal that’s perfect for dinner, date nights, or meal prep. Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-pan wonder is sure to become a household favorite!
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Pasta:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
Reserved pasta water (as needed)
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Season the Chicken:
Season diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and melt, then stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add honey and simmer for 1 minute.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir until smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine Chicken and Pasta:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Serve:
Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.
Notes
Customize the Pasta: Feel free to use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or linguine.
Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning or omit the pepper.
Make It Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a non-dairy cream like coconut cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main course
