Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta – Comfort with a Kick
A creamy, indulgent pasta dish featuring Cajun-spiced chicken, honey-butter richness, and comforting fettuccine—perfect for a cozy dinner with bold flavors.
🎉 Introduction
If you're craving something both decadently creamy and boldly spicy, this Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta hits every note. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in Cajun seasoning and pan-seared to perfection, then bathed in a luscious honey-butter-Cajun-cream sauce tossed with fettuccine. It's a cozy 🎯 weeknight dinner or weekend indulgence that brings warmth and comfort straight to your table.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Pasta pot
- Whisk or fork
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
🍗 Meat & Seasoning
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
🧄 Aromatics
- 2 garlic cloves minced
🍝 Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine
- Reserved pasta water ½ cup
🍯 Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil salted water and cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining; set both aside.
Step 2: Season & Sear the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry, then coat evenly with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (~165°F internal temp).
- Remove chicken and let it rest on a plate.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for ~30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey and heavy cream, whisking to blend.
- Let simmer 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly, then add reserved pasta water to loosen.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
- Slice chicken into strips.
- Toss the drained pasta in the sauce until it’s fully coated.
- Add chicken slices, toss to combine, then let it all heat through for a minute.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate pasta with chicken on top or mixed in.
- Optional: Garnish with parsley or extra drizzle of honey.
Notes
🥄 Variations
Spicy Boost: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce Veggie Twist: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or roasted broccoli Protein Swap: Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken Healthier Tip: Swap cream for coconut milk and butter for olive oil 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 3 days Freezer: Sauce separates—best enjoyed fresh Reheat: Gently warm in skillet with splash of milk or water ❓ 10 FAQs
Is the dish very spicy?
It has medium heat—adjust Cajun seasoning to your taste. Can I use another pasta?
Yes—linguine, penne, or shells work great. What’s reserved pasta water for?
It adds starch to thicken and bind the sauce. Can I cook chicken in sauce?
Yes—slice raw chicken and simmer in sauce for a one-pan version. Is this keto-friendly?
Omit pasta and serve over zucchini noodles. Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely—just adjust cook time until juices run clear. What’s a good side dish?
Serve with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad. Can I meal prep this?
Yes—for up to 3 days. Keep sauce separate if possible. How to make sauce thicker?
Simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water). Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream, vegan butter, and omit cheese toppings. 🏁 Conclusion
This Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta strikes the perfect balance of creamy comfort and bold flavor. Quick, indulgent, and wholeheartedly satisfying, it’s sure to become a favorite in your weeknight rotation. Comfort food with flair—right in your kitchen.
Spicy Boost: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce Veggie Twist: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or roasted broccoli Protein Swap: Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken Healthier Tip: Swap cream for coconut milk and butter for olive oil 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 3 days Freezer: Sauce separates—best enjoyed fresh Reheat: Gently warm in skillet with splash of milk or water ❓ 10 FAQs
Is the dish very spicy?
It has medium heat—adjust Cajun seasoning to your taste. Can I use another pasta?
Yes—linguine, penne, or shells work great. What’s reserved pasta water for?
It adds starch to thicken and bind the sauce. Can I cook chicken in sauce?
Yes—slice raw chicken and simmer in sauce for a one-pan version. Is this keto-friendly?
Omit pasta and serve over zucchini noodles. Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely—just adjust cook time until juices run clear. What’s a good side dish?
Serve with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad. Can I meal prep this?
Yes—for up to 3 days. Keep sauce separate if possible. How to make sauce thicker?
Simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water). Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream, vegan butter, and omit cheese toppings. 🏁 Conclusion
This Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta strikes the perfect balance of creamy comfort and bold flavor. Quick, indulgent, and wholeheartedly satisfying, it’s sure to become a favorite in your weeknight rotation. Comfort food with flair—right in your kitchen.