Prepare the Seasoning and Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together all the Cajun seasoning ingredients: smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Place the cubed chicken in a larger bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of the seasoning mix until every piece is evenly coated. Set aside the remaining seasoning.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about 250ml (1 cup) of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Sear the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan or sauté pan over a medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and sliced peppers to the same pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Build the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle the remaining Cajun seasoning over the vegetables and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon – this is where so much flavour lies!

Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the double cream, stirring continuously. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer (do not let it boil). Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy. I find that taking the pan off the heat for a moment while stirring in the cheese prevents any clumping.

Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley.