This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a weeknight dinner champion! Tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta are tossed in a luscious, spicy Cajun cream sauce. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, making it a guaranteed family favorite. Get ready for a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided) – See notes on choosing your favorite blend!
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (optional)
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan, for serving (optional)
Preparation:
Make sure to read through all steps before starting! This recipe moves quickly.
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is well coated. This will give the chicken a lovely crust and flavor.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (preferably non-stick) over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside in a clean bowl. Try not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken – cook it in batches if necessary.
- Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the sliced bell peppers and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are slightly softened and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Step 4: Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (this adds tons of flavor!). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly (about 2-3 minutes).
- Step 5: Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions. You want it to be al dente – cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Step 6: Combine and Finish: Add the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the creamy Cajun sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the Cajun seasoning and Parmesan cheese are already salty.
- Step 7: Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese (if desired). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of Cajun spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken is simply irresistible.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite vegetables.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile: Works with different types of pasta, proteins, and vegetables.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Offer a lemon wedge for a bright, zesty finish.
- Serve it as a main course for a weeknight dinner or as a party dish for gatherings.
- Pair it with your favorite white wine, like a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Tips:
- Spice Level: Cajun seasoning blends vary in heat. Start with less and add more to taste. For a milder flavor, use a lower-sodium Cajun blend.
- Creaminess: If you prefer a richer sauce, use all heavy cream instead of a combination of heavy cream and chicken broth. For a lighter version, use half-and-half, but be aware that the sauce won’t be as thick.
- Pasta Water: Don’t discard the pasta water! It’s starchy and helps to thicken and emulsify the sauce, creating a silky smooth texture.
- Chicken Prep: Slice the chicken while it’s still slightly frozen to make it easier to get even, thin strips.
- Make Ahead: The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat and add the cooked pasta and chicken when ready to serve.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, spinach, chopped broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes. Add them along with the bell peppers.
- Protein Swap: If you’re not a fan of chicken, try using shrimp, sausage, or even tofu.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving): Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 40-50g
- Fat: 35-45g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Sodium: 800-1200mg (depending on Cajun seasoning)
Conclusion:
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a winner for so many reasons. It’s a quick and easy way to get a delicious and satisfying meal on the table. The vibrant flavors and creamy texture are simply irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be customized to your liking. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Q&A:
- Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
- A: Absolutely! Fettuccine and penne are classic choices, but rotini, linguine, or even rigatoni would work well. Choose a pasta shape that the sauce can cling to easily.
- Q: I don’t have heavy cream. Can I substitute something else?
- A: Yes, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. You could also try using a combination of milk and a little cornstarch to thicken it.
- Q: How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- A: Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You could also add some vegetarian sausage or tofu for added protein.
- Q: Can I freeze this pasta dish?
- A: While you can freeze it, the texture of the pasta and sauce might change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze it, let it thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Q: How do I reheat leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
- A: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir it occasionally to ensure even heating.
