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Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold and creamy dish combining tender chicken seasoned with vibrant Cajun spices, sautéed vegetables, and al dente pasta tossed in a luscious parmesan cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect fast family meal or an impressive weeknight dinner that balances spicy, creamy, and savory flavors effortlessly.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne pepper blend)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables

  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Oils & Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a small amount of pasta water before setting the pasta aside.
  2. Season and Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and coat both sides generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and let it rest.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping any browned bits from the chicken for extra flavor.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
  5. Combine Everything: Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat everything evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.

Notes

  • Don’t skip resting the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Season generously with Cajun spices for full flavor impact.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to noodles.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer, better-melting flavor.
  • Adjust spice level by modifying Cajun seasoning or adding extra cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, quick dinner, one-pan meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/cajun-chicken-pasta/