If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances creamy, spicy, and savory flavors, then this Cajun Chicken Pasta with Boursin Cheese is going to be your new favorite recipe. Imagine tender, beautifully seasoned chicken breasts cooked until golden brown and tossed with al dente fettuccine bathed in a luscious sauce made from rich Boursin cheese, fragrant garlic, and a kick of bold Cajun seasoning. This meal comes together in just about 30 minutes and makes for a stunning dinner that feels special yet is incredibly easy to whip up on any weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each item adds a unique texture, a burst of flavor, or a touch of color, making this dish as delightful to the eye as it is to the palate.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect protein base, juicy and easy to season.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: Provides that unmistakable spicy, smoky flavor that makes the dish pop.
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta: Its broad, flat shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to a golden perfection.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Adds a fragrant and savory depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, creamy texture that envelops every bite.
- 4 ounces Boursin cheese (herb and garlic): This is the star ingredient, infusing the dish with rich, herby creaminess and a subtle bite of garlic.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Balances the sauce with a light, savory base and helps meld the flavors together.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds an umami punch and a slight nuttiness to the dish.
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional): Brings bright, tangy bursts and lovely color contrast to the creamy sauce.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, herbaceous finish and visual appeal.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To balance and enhance the overall flavor.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta with Boursin Cheese
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by generously coating the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning on both sides. This seasoning blend is what gives your dish that signature spicy, smoky flavor. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest—that way, the juices stay locked in for maximum tenderness.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet adds extra flavor because it holds all those tasty browned bits from the chicken. Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant—about a minute. Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Once combined, crumble in the Boursin cheese and stir until it melts into a smooth, velvety sauce bursting with herbal and garlicky goodness.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce simmers, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until just al dente, ensuring it has that perfect bite. Remember to salt the pasta water generously; it seasons the pasta from within. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Slice the rested chicken into neat strips and add them back into the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss gently to make sure everything gets coated in that deliciously creamy sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes if you’re using them; these add an extra layer of flavor and color that your taste buds will thank you for. Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta with Boursin Cheese
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled atop your pasta brings a vibrant, herbal freshness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. For an extra touch, you can add a little extra grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes if you want to up the heat.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own, but pairing it with a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus offers a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are also perfect for soaking up every bit of that heavenly sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving this Cajun Chicken Pasta with Boursin Cheese in individual shallow bowls layered with extra parsley and a final drizzle of olive oil. Another great idea is to sprinkle some smoked paprika or a dash of Cajun seasoning on top for a pop of color and aroma right before serving. Presentation is all about inviting warmth and indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta holds up beautifully as leftovers. Transfer any uneaten portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even more enjoyable.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind that pasta and cream sauces tend to change texture after freezing. If you plan to freeze, store the pasta and sauce separately for best results. Freeze chicken and sauce in one container and cooked pasta in another. When ready to eat, thaw completely and gently reheat.
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving at high power as it may cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for Cajun Chicken Pasta with Boursin Cheese?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is ideal because it holds the creamy sauce well, you can substitute it with penne, linguine, or even rigatoni depending on what you have on hand or your personal preference.
How spicy is this dish?
The Cajun seasoning provides a moderate level of spiciness that can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer more heat, simply add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning to the chicken or sauce.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes! To lighten the dish, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half and use a reduced-fat Boursin cheese if available. You can also reduce the amount of olive oil or use cooking spray to sear the chicken to keep it lean.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Just make sure to use gluten-free pasta when cooking the fettuccine. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt for gluten-sensitive diets.
What if I don’t have Boursin cheese?
If you can’t find Boursin cheese, a good creamy herb cheese or a mix of cream cheese with fresh garlic and herbs can be a suitable alternative. Keep in mind that Boursin brings a unique herby garlic flavor that really makes this dish special.
Final Thoughts
Making Cajun Chicken Pasta with Boursin Cheese is truly a joyful experience that rewards you with layers of flavor and comfort in every forkful. It’s the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and approachable, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a busy weeknight. I encourage you to try this recipe and savor how the creamy, spicy, and aromatic elements all come together in one amazing plate.
Print
Cajun Chicken Pasta with Boursin Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (can be made gluten-free with appropriate gluten-free pasta)
Description
This Cajun Chicken Pasta with Boursin Cheese is a flavorful and creamy dish that combines tender Cajun-spiced chicken breasts with a rich sauce made from Boursin cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine and enhanced with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, this meal offers a delightful balance of spice, creaminess, and comfort, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces Boursin cheese (herb and garlic)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Generously coat both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Sauté garlic: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the Boursin cheese and stir continuously until it melts smoothly into a creamy sauce.
- Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Slice the chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips for easy mixing.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes (if using) to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together, coating the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Season and garnish: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning while seasoning the chicken.
- You can substitute penne or linguine pasta for the fettuccine depending on availability or preference.
- To lighten the dish, replace heavy cream with half-and-half and use a reduced-fat Boursin cheese if available.
- Leftovers reheat well in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce for best texture.
