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Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

Tender chicken chunks coated in a spicy Cajun rub, seared until golden, and tossed with fettuccine in a sticky, sweet, and rich honey butter glaze.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 10 oz fettuccine or wide pasta
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
Honey Butter Sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth or pasta water
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute.
  5. Whisk in honey, vinegar, and 1/4 cup broth (or pasta water). Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the glaze.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a glossy sauce.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

If the sauce separates, vigorously whisk in a splash of the hot, starchy pasta water to bring it back together.