Description
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is an indulgent dish packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or bowtie)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken pieces with half of the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter.
- Add onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika (if using), and the remaining Cajun seasoning.
- Simmer 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Add the drained pasta.
- Toss gently to coat evenly in the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Simmer 1–2 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- This dish can be customized by adding your favorite vegetables.
- For a spicier version, increase the Cajun seasoning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg