Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and bold Cajun spices. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. The recipe is versatile, beginner-friendly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: 1 lb boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Pasta: 12 oz penne or fettuccine work best.
- Cajun Seasoning: 2 tbsp store-bought or homemade.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup for a rich creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated, for flavor and thickness.
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced, for aromatic depth.
- Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 green sliced thinly.
- Onion: 1 medium diced, for sweetness.
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp for cooking the chicken and veggies.
- Chicken Broth: ½ cup to thin the sauce slightly.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste for seasoning.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp chopped, for garnish.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oilayashi. Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Add the remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan on the side if desired.