Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

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Golden, juicy chicken bites glazed in a spicy Cajun honey butter sauce, nestled over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta — this dish isn’t just dinner, it’s an experience. The combination of smoky heat, sweet honey richness, and buttery smoothness creates a bold and comforting meal that’s ready to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or looking to bring serious flavor to your weeknight rotation, this recipe delivers every time.

The chicken sears beautifully in a skillet, soaking up a sticky, spicy glaze that coats each bite in flavor. Served over tender pasta that catches every drop of sauce, it’s a meal that brings Southern heat and heart straight to your plate. And the best part? It’s all made with simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken?

The beauty of this dish is how flexible it is when it comes to pasta. Fettuccine is a popular choice (as pictured) because its flat, wide noodles hold on to the rich, buttery sauce so well. But feel free to substitute with linguine, penne, or even rigatoni — whatever you have in your pantry will work just fine. The key is to cook your pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy when tossed with the saucy chicken.

Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks create the perfect protein base for soaking up the honey butter sauce.

Cajun Seasoning: This is where the signature heat and smoky flavor comes from. Use store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning depending on your preference.

Honey: Adds that sticky sweetness that perfectly balances the spice. It also caramelizes slightly in the skillet, creating a glossy coating on the chicken.

Butter: Unsalted butter is best here, letting you control the saltiness of the dish. It melts into a silky base for the sauce.

Olive Oil: Helps the chicken get that golden sear while keeping things from sticking to the pan.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic deepens the savory flavor and enhances the Cajun seasoning.

Pasta: Fettuccine is ideal for catching the sauce, but any pasta that holds sauce well will do.

Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the pasta water and adjusting flavor as needed.

Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a light, herbal finish.

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How To Make the Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Pat them dry with a paper towel so they sear properly. Toss the chicken in a bowl with Cajun seasoning until all pieces are evenly coated. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your fettuccine (or pasta of choice) until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining to help bind the sauce later. Set the pasta aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Make the Cajun Honey Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic. Let it cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add in the honey and a touch more Cajun seasoning if you want an extra kick. Stir well until the mixture is bubbly and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat all pieces in the honey butter glaze. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss until everything is beautifully coated. Let it sit for a minute so the noodles absorb some of the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve hot with extra sauce spooned over each serving for maximum flavor.

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How to Serve and Store Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

This dish is best served hot and fresh off the skillet, with the pasta glistening in the spicy honey butter glaze and the chicken still tender and juicy. For a dinner party, consider plating it in shallow bowls with extra sauce drizzled on top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of green. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a bright contrast if you’re feeling fancy.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery and the sauce separate.

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What to Serve With Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

1. Garlic Bread

A crusty piece of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every drop of that rich sauce.

2. Simple Green Salad

Keep it light and crisp with a mix of greens, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their caramelized flavor complements the sweetness of the honey and adds a nutty bite.

4. Cornbread Muffins

For a Southern twist, serve with mini cornbread muffins to echo the honey flavors.

5. Parmesan Asparagus

Lightly roasted asparagus with a sprinkle of parmesan adds freshness and crunch.

6. Creamed Spinach

If you want something more indulgent, creamy spinach adds velvety texture to the meal.

7. Pickled Jalapeños

Add a tangy, spicy bite that plays beautifully with the Cajun heat.

8. Iced Sweet Tea or Lemonade

Cool, refreshing drinks like sweet tea or lemonade help tone down the spice and round out the Southern-inspired meal.

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Want More Pasta Ideas Bursting with Flavor?

If you enjoyed this Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta, these other delicious pasta favorites will hit the spot:

• Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight for a velvety, sweet-and-spicy twist.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan when you’re craving buttery richness with a savory kick.
• Cheesy Ranch Chicken Garlic Butter Fettuccine for a cheesy, indulgent comfort meal.
• Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheddar Pasta Skillet that brings Southern BBQ flavor to your plate.
• Ultimate One Pan Creamy Honey Butter Steak Pasta if you’re in the mood for a beefy upgrade with the same honey butter charm.

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Tried it with a little extra heat or swapped the pasta shape? I’d love to know how you made it your own. Drop your tips or twists in the comments below!

Need more daily recipe inspiration? Check out my full collection on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. You might just find your next weeknight favorite.

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