Description
Indulge in the bold flavors of Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta! This dish combines tender chicken, zesty Cajun spices, and a luscious creamy sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. A satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with comforting, spicy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb penne pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Pasta:
- While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté garlic, onion, and bell peppers until fragrant and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Slowly add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
- Combine Everything:
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated with sauce. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional Cajun spice if desired. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes before serving hot.
Notes
- Control the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to match your heat preference. Start with less, and add more gradually to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Use Reserved Pasta Water: Adding a splash of reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and ensures it clings perfectly to the pasta for a creamy, cohesive dish.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 20 min