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Top-down view of penne pasta coated in orange Cajun honey butter sauce with charred chicken breast and chili flakes.

Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta

A luxurious 30-minute meal featuring al dente penne in a glossy orange honey butter sauce, topped with Cajun-seared chicken. Perfectly balanced between sweet heat and velvety creaminess for an elite dinner experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun-inspired
Calories: 680
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Recipe Ingredients
  • 1 lb (454g) Penne Pasta Penne Rigate preferred
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) Chicken Breast Sliced into thin strips
  • 3 tbsp (45g) Cajun Seasoning Divided
  • 4 tbsp (56g) Salted Butter
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) Honey High quality floral honey
  • 1.5 cups (355ml) Heavy Cream Do not substitute for low fat
  • 1/4 cup (15g) Fresh Parsley Finely chopped
  • 1 tsp (2g) Red Chili Flakes

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet Heavy-bottomed for the best sear.
  • 1 Pasta Pot

Method
 

Prep and Sear
  1. Toss chicken strips with 2 tbsp of Cajun seasoning until fully coated.
  2. In a hot skillet, sear chicken in batches until a dark-brown charred crust forms. Drizzle with 1 tbsp honey in the last 30 seconds, then remove from pan.
The Sauce and Assembly
  1. Cook penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. In the chicken skillet, melt butter and whisk in heavy cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, and remaining honey. Simmer until glossy and orange.
  3. Toss pasta into the sauce. Plate and top with seared chicken, fresh parsley, and red chili flakes.

Notes

Ensure the pan is very hot before adding chicken to get the charred crust.
Use heavy cream for the correct sauce consistency.