Description
Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and creamy pasta in a savory sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with a kick of heat and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken for 5-6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:
- Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth, and season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using).
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese (optional). Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For extra creaminess, you can add more Parmesan cheese or a splash of half-and-half.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the dish for more texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 250 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: killet/One-Pan
- Cuisine: Cajun, American