Description
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta combines bold Cajun spices with a rich, velvety cream sauce for a deliciously spicy and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The smoky flavor of the Cajun seasoning pairs wonderfully with tender chicken and creamy pasta.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts (2, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Penne Pasta (8 oz)
- Heavy Cream (1 cup)
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated)
- Cajun Seasoning (2 tbsp)
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Onion (½, diced)
- Bell Peppers (1, diced, optional)
- Chicken Broth (½ cup, optional)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- 1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- 4. In the same skillet, sauté garlic, onion, and bell peppers (if using) for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- 5. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth (if using) to the skillet, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- 6. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes to thicken, adding reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.
- 7. Return the chicken to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Serve immediately with optional garnish of parsley or extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Feel free to add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrients.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add extra cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg