Begin by cutting 1 pound of chicken breast or thighs into bite-sized cubes. Season the chicken generously with 1 ½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, along with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Let it sit while you prepare the pasta, allowing the flavors to meld together.

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine or linguine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Sear for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.

Lower the heat to medium and melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Whisk in 3 tablespoons of honey and a pinch more of Cajun seasoning into the melted butter and garlic. Let the mixture simmer for approximately 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently in the honey butter sauce. Allow it to absorb those rich Cajun flavors.

Add the drained pasta into the skillet containing the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until combined thoroughly, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed.

Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta to a serving dish. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!