Cheesecake Factory Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’ve been to the Cheesecake Factory and tasted their Cajun Chicken Pasta, you know it’s an unforgettable dish. This creamy, spicy, and flavor-packed delight is a crowd favorite that keeps diners coming back for more.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta or your favorite pasta shape
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garnish:
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Red chili flakes optional, for extra heat
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Start by boiling a big pot of salted water. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta and cook it as the package says, usually for 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. This will be the base of your dish, so keep it warm for later.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
- Take the chicken breasts and coat them evenly with Cajun seasoning. Heat a large pan on medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. When the oil is hot, place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Take the chicken out of the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, heat it on medium and add a little butter. When the butter melts, add chopped garlic and cook for 30 seconds until it smells nice. Slowly pour in heavy cream and stir to make it smooth. Add more Cajun seasoning if you want more flavor. Let the sauce cook and stir until it gets thick and creamy.
Step 4: Mix the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce. Gently toss it so the pasta gets fully coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Turn the heat to low to keep everything warm while you finish preparing the dish.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Put some of the pasta with sauce on a plate. Lay the sliced chicken on top, spreading the strips out nicely. Sprinkle chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (if you like) on top. Serve right away and enjoy your delicious, homemade Cajun chicken pasta!
Notes
When making this recipe, ensure you season the chicken generously to maintain the flavorful Cajun profile. Adjust the level of spice in the dish by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste preferences, and be careful not to overcook the pasta to keep its texture just right.