Name: Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta (Creamy, Bold & Irresistible)
Ingredients: 12 oz (340g) penne or fettuccine; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1″ pieces; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste); 3 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup chicken broth; ¼ cup honey; 4 tbsp (½ stick / 55g) unsalted butter; 2 tbsp heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for extra silkiness); Salt & black pepper to taste; Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes, lemon juice; Chopped green onions; Fresh parsley; Grated Parmesan

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz (340g) penne or fettuccine
1 tbsp olive oil
1½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1” pieces
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup honey
4 tbsp (½ stick / 55g) unsalted butter
2 tbsp heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for extra silkiness)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes, lemon juice

For garnish:

Chopped green onions
Fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan

Instructions

Cook pasta: Boil pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Set aside.
Season & sear chicken: Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Cook chicken 5–6 min until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make sauce: In same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic; cook 30 sec. Stir in chicken broth, honey, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 min until slightly reduced.
Finish: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream (if using). Return chicken to skillet; add cooked pasta. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.
Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Garnish with green onions, parsley, and Parmesan.

💡 Pro Tip: For extra depth, deglaze the pan with ¼ cup white wine before adding broth!

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 4):