Name: Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Seasoning Mixture:; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 2 teaspoons Creole or Cajun seasoning; 2 teaspoons paprika powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; Chicken:; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 lb chicken tenders; Sauce:; 4 tablespoons butter; Remaining seasoning mixture; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 teaspoon paprika; Pasta:; 8 oz linguine; 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

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Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta is a bold, creamy, and comforting dish featuring tender chicken tenders coated in a flavorful Creole seasoning blend, seared to perfection, and served over linguine with a rich, paprika-spiced cream sauce. This 30-minute recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish delivers the perfect balance of heat and creaminess. The seasoned chicken is juicy and golden, the sauce is thick and indulgent, and the pasta ties it all together. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. With one pan and one pot, clean-up is minimal—and the taste is maximum.

Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Seasoning Mixture:
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons Creole or Cajun seasoning
2 teaspoons paprika powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
¼ cup all-purpose flour

Chicken:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 lb chicken tenders

Sauce:
4 tablespoons butter
Remaining seasoning mixture (from dredging the chicken)
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon paprika

Pasta:
8 oz linguine
½ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Directions

Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine salt, Creole seasoning, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and flour.
Coat the chicken: Dredge chicken tenders in the seasoning-flour mixture. Shake off any excess. Reserve the leftover mix for the sauce.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (about 8 minutes total). Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Add the remaining seasoning-flour mixture and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Stir in paprika and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring often. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain (do not rinse).
Combine pasta and sauce: Add drained pasta to the sauce, stirring to fully coat. Add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Finish and serve: Return the chicken to the skillet to reheat. Spoon sauce over chicken and pasta, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Make it extra spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Swap proteins: Use shrimp or sliced sausage instead of chicken.
Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for dredging.
Lighter version: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter (or dairy-free) alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
This dish does not freeze well due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, slice them into strips for quicker cooking and even seasoning distribution.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Linguine works great, but fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne are also good choices.

Is Cajun seasoning the same as Creole?

They’re similar, but Cajun tends to be spicier. Use what you prefer or have on hand.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the seasoning and chicken ahead to speed things up.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy cream substitute like coconut cream or soy-based cream.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and be golden on the outside.

Can I skip the flour in the seasoning mix?

Flour helps form a crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce. You can skip it, but the texture will change.

What sides go well with this dish?

A light green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with this creamy pasta.

Conclusion

Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta is a decadent, quick, and flavor-packed dinner that brings Southern-style comfort to your kitchen. With tender chicken, bold spices, and a silky cream sauce, this dish is easy to love and even easier to make. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.

Molly