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Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

Juicy, pan-seared chicken chunks tossed in a sticky, glossy honey butter sauce with a spicy Cajun kick, served over tender fettuccine pasta. A 30-minute meal that perfectly balances sweet heat.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun, Fusion
Calories: 680
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Spices
  • 2 lbs chicken breast or thighs boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for searing
Honey Butter Sauce
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter 1 stick
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 1 tbsp fresh garlic minced
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Serving
  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta or linguine
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Colander
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, toss chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  5. Stir in honey and apple cider vinegar. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
  6. Add cooked chicken back into the pan, tossing to coat in the glaze.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet (or serve chicken over pasta). Toss with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.