Description
A flavorful and creamy Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta recipe that combines tender, spice-rubbed chicken breasts with a rich Cajun-inspired cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish brings a comforting yet zesty flair to your weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta (or your choice of pasta)
- Salt for pasta water
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional for extra spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the prepared spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure thorough flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove from skillet and let rest.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning (if using), red pepper flakes, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue simmering the sauce for another 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the rested chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly to meld flavors.
- Serve: Plate the Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Reserving pasta water is essential to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor impact.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
