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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe that delivers bold, spicy, and savory flavors perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (Tony Chachere’s recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients (10 minutes): Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, dice bell peppers, finely chop onion, and mince garlic. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
  2. Season the Chicken (2 minutes): Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until well coated.
  3. Sauté the Chicken (6-8 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temp about 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
  4. Sauté Vegetables (4-5 minutes): In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Make the Cream Sauce (5 minutes): Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Let broth reduce slightly, about 2 minutes. Lower heat to medium, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until sauce thickens and becomes silky. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  6. Combine Pasta & Chicken (2 minutes): Return cooked chicken to skillet with sauce, then add drained pasta. Toss gently to coat pasta evenly in creamy sauce.
  7. Final Touches (1 minute): Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice if desired. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook chicken initially; it will continue cooking when combined with sauce. Keep sauce thickness so it clings to pasta, not pools. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Freeze chicken and sauce separately from pasta for best texture when reheating.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-spicy-savory-dinner-idea/