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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender chicken strips seasoned with bold Cajun spices and tossed in a rich, velvety creamy sauce with sautéed bell peppers, onions, garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting and versatile meal offers a satisfying spicy kick balanced by a luscious sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips

Seasoning & Spices

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs)

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables

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

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Garnish (Optional)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Season and Cook the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and toss evenly with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken strips. Sear until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté them until softened and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to absorb the leftover chicken flavors.
  3. Prepare the Pasta: While the chicken and vegetables cook, boil your pasta of choice in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and reserve a small cup of pasta water for later use.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth, thick, and creamy.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the sautéed vegetables. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use some reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
  6. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta for a touch of freshness and visual appeal. Give the dish a gentle toss to combine and serve immediately while warm and comforting.

Notes

  • Use fresh Cajun seasoning for the most vibrant flavor.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and consistency.
  • Grate your own Parmesan cheese rather than using pre-grated for better melt and flavor.
  • Let the sauce simmer on low heat a moment to achieve maximum creaminess before combining all ingredients.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American, Cajun
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce