Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets, salted and seasoned to taste
• 6 tablespoons. Unsalted butter at room temperature (see note) 1/3 cup honey
• Seasoning with Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tsp. Italian season
• 2 tsp. Paprika (smoked paprika, if available)
• cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, cracked – or 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, finely ground
• Quarter teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 tsp crush red pepper

How To Make Cajun Honey Butter Salmon

1. Mixing Cajun season ingredients in bowl.
2. Beat butter for 2 minutes using an electric hand mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Blend honey and cream in a blender until smooth. 1 tablespoon combined Cajun seasoning (remaining seasoning can be kept for up to 3 months in an airtight container)
4. Using a paper towel, pat the salmon fillets dry on all sides.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste after rubbing it with oil.
6. Cook salmon for 6-8 minutes on each side on a preheated grill or grill pan, or until opaque and crusty.
7. Spread a generous amount of Cajun Honey Butter over each slice after turning off the grill (or stove if you’re using a grill pan).
8. Allow the butter to melt for 30 seconds, then spread it over the salmon using the back of a spoon.
9. Turn it over and do the same on the other side.
10. If you prefer, garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve immediately.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz linguine pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 to 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided (adjust to taste depending on the brand)*
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2/3 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and keep warm.
2. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness and season with 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning.
3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tsp oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board, slice thinly, and keep warm.
4. In the same skillet over medium heat, sauté butter and garlic until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes and sauté for 2 more minutes.
5. Pour in heavy whipping cream, remaining Cajun seasoning to taste, and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Add sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce, toss until combined and heated through. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if desired.
7. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Notes:

Avoid using cast iron or copper pans when making creamy sauces with acidic ingredients like tomato to prevent a grainy texture.
If using Cajun seasoning with high salt content, start with half the amount and adjust to taste.

Ingredients:

• Pasta: 8 ounces of linguine or fettuccine, providing the perfect base for the sauce.
• Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced for quick cooking.
• Cajun Seasoning: 2 tablespoons, for that authentic spicy flavor. You can adjust this according to taste.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup, to create the rich, creamy texture of the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated, for added flavor and thickness to the sauce.
• Vegetables: 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced, and 1 small onion, sliced, to add sweetness and crunch.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for aromatic depth.
• Olive Oil and Butter: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Substitutions and Variations:

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for thickness.
Gluten-free pasta can be used for those with dietary restrictions.
Vegetarians can substitute chicken with mushrooms or tofu, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta:
   1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
   2. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Season the Chicken:
   1. Toss the chicken slices in Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are well-coated.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   2. Add the chicken and cook until golden and no longer pink in the middle.
   3. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables:
   1. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the onions and bell peppers until soft.
   2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Create the Sauce:
   1. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to lift any bits stuck to the bottom.
   2. Add grated  Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens.
      If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Combine:
   1. Return the chicken to the skillet, adding the cooked pasta.
   2. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
   3. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

• Adjusting Spice Levels:
  • Cajun seasoning can be quite spicy.
  • Start with a smaller amount and adjust according to your preference.
  • You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
• Ensuring Tender Chicken:
  • Avoid overcooking the chicken by using medium heat and keeping an eye on it.
  • Chicken is ready when it’s no longer pink inside but still juicy.
• Achieving Al Dente Pasta:
  • To ensure your pasta is perfectly al dente, cook it 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest.
  • It will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.

Ingredients

Selecting the right ingredients is crucial for the perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pasta: Linguine is traditional, but feel free to explore with other types like fettuccine or penne, each offering a unique texture and sauce absorption.
• Chicken: Opt for breasts for a leaner option or thighs for more flavor. Ensure it’s well-seasoned with Cajun seasoning for that signature kick.
• Cajun Seasoning: The soul of the dish, this blend of spices can be store-bought or homemade.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for the best flavor, it adds depth to the creamy sauce.
• Butter: Used for sautéing garlic, it infuses the sauce with a rich flavor.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: The base of the creamy sauce. For a lighter version, half and half can be used, though it may result in a thinner sauce.
• Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce. Both grated and shredded work well.

With these ingredients, you’re set to create a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor.
Remember, the quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final taste, so choose wisely!

Instructions

Preparing the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente, as per the package instructions.
   Remember, the pasta will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce, so it’s best to keep it slightly firm.
2. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
   This starchy water is a secret weapon for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later.
3. Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set it aside.
   A little drizzle of olive oil can prevent it from sticking together.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan.
2. Season Generously: Coat the chicken evenly with Cajun seasoning.
3. Cook to Perfection: In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat.
   Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through.
   The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
4. Rest and Slice: Once cooked, let the chicken rest before slicing it into strips.
5. This ensures it remains juicy.

Making the Creamy Cajun Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.
   Cook until fragrant but not browned.
2. Add Cream and Seasoning: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and add additional Cajun seasoning.
   Bring to a simmer and let it thicken slightly.
3. Cheese It Up: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it’s well incorporated and the sauce is smooth.

Combining Ingredients

1. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to ensure each strand is beautifully coated.
2. Add Chicken: Gently fold in the sliced chicken, ensuring it’s warmed through and coated with the creamy sauce.
3. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

1. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for a touch of color and flavor.
2. Accompaniments: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

With these detailed steps, you’re well on your way to creating a Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta that’s sure to impress.

Variations and Add-Ins

Vegetable Additions

• Broccoli or Asparagus: Steam or sauté your chosen vegetable and mix it in with the pasta for an added nutritional boost and color. Both complement the creamy, spicy flavors wonderfully.
• Mushrooms: For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with mushrooms. They offer a similar texture and absorb the sauce’s flavors beautifully.

Protein Variations

• Sausage or Kielbasa: For a different take, try sliced sausage or kielbasa instead of chicken. They add a smoky flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
• Seafood: Transform it into a seafood delight by adding shrimp or scallops. Make sure to cook them just until they’re done to avoid a rubbery texture.

Lighter Sauce Options

• Half and Half: For a lighter sauce, use half and half instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind this will make the sauce thinner.
• Milk and Cornstarch: Mix milk with a little cornstarch to thicken it up without the added fat of cream.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation Tips

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil not only adds color but also a fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the
• sauce.
  Extra Cheese: Who doesn’t love more cheese? A little extra Parmesan on top adds a salty, umami flavor that’s irresistible.

Accompaniments

• Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. It’s a match made in heaven!
• Salad: A light, crisp salad balances the richness of the pasta. Opt for something with a tangy dressing to complement the creamy, spicy flavors.

With these variations and serving suggestions, your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta will never be boring.
Mix and match to find your perfect combination!

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets, salted and peppered to taste
• 6 tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature (see note)
• 1 and a third cup honey
• Cajun seasoning

Cajun Seasoning:

• 2 tbsp. powdered garlic
• 2 tsp. Italian seasoning (dry)
• 2 tsp. smoked paprika (or regular paprika if unavailable)
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. powdered onion
• 1 tsp. cracked black pepper (or 1/2 tsp. finely ground black pepper)
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Combine the ingredients for the cajun seasoning in a small bowl.
2. Whip butter for 2 minutes with an electric hand mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Combine honey and cream in a blender until smooth.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of the cajun seasoning (remaining seasoning can be stored for up to 3 months in an airtight jar).
5. Pat the salmon fillets dry on all sides using a paper towel.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste after rubbing with oil all over.
7. Cook salmon for 6-8 minutes on each side on a preheated grill or grill pan, or until opaque and flaky.
8. After turning off the grill (or stove if using a grill pan), place a big dollop of cajun honey butter on top of each fillet.
9. Allow for about 30 seconds for the butter to melt, then spread it all over the salmon using the back of a spoon.
10. Flip over and repeat on the other side.
11. If desired, garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve immediately.

Your go-to-seasoning to flavor meats, seafood, soups, stews and more.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp paprika powder
  (Or smoked paprika powder)
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper powder
• 2 tsp black pepper powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp salt

To make the seasoning mix:

1. Into a mixing bowl, add in all the ingredients and give it a mix.
2. Then, is ready to use.
3. Store in a cool dry place, in an airtight container.

This Cajun Shrimp recipe is perfect with rice or pasta or salad – it’s an easy recipe with homemade cajun seasoning and only takes 15 minutes to make!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Yield 4 servings
Serving Size 1 serving

INGREDIENTS
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Y4 teaspoon salt
Y4 teaspoon garlic powder
Y4 teaspoon onion powder
Vs teaspoon cayenne pepper use up to Y4 teaspoon for spicier shrimp
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound uncooked shrimp peeled and deveined

INSTRUCTIONS
Add smoked paprika, thyme, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper and oil to a large skillet.
Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.
Add the shrimp and saute over medium-high heat until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
Serve hot plain or over rice or pasta.

RECIPE NOTES
Double or triple the cajun seasoning mix and save it for later in an airtight container.