Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning on both sides. This will ensure that the chicken is flavorful throughout.

Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.

Slice the Chicken: After the chicken has rested for a few minutes, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces. Set it aside while you prepare the pasta and sauce.

Boil the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.

Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water. The starchy pasta water will help thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta.

Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta and set it aside. You can toss it with a small amount of olive oil to keep it from sticking together while you make the sauce.

Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Add the Cajun Seasoning and Paprika: Add the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the spices bloom in the butter for 1 minute. This step enhances the depth of the seasoning.

Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine, making sure the spices are well mixed into the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Stir in Parmesan Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed.

Add the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Cajun cream sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated with the creamy mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out and create a smoother consistency.

Add the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for a cheesier finish.