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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy Dinner Idea

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta - featured image

A comforting and indulgent pasta dish packed with tender chicken, smoky Cajun spices, and a luscious creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced thinly
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sear the chicken strips for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté bell peppers, onion, and garlic for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
  5. Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, and reserved pasta water to the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce for a creamy consistency.
  7. Add the cooked chicken strips and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss until everything is coated in the sauce.
  8. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper if needed.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to achieve a silky sauce. Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese ensures a smooth sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, spicy pasta, weeknight meal