Cajun Chicken Pasta

Spice up your dinner routine with this creamy, flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta! With tender, juicy chicken, bold Cajun spices, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this dish is a perfect balance of heat and comfort. It’s a one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or an easy yet impressive weekend dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Full of Flavor: The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick, perfectly balanced by the creamy sauce.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights.
• Comforting: Creamy pasta and tender chicken make this dish a comforting, satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Pasta

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 8 oz (225g) penne or fettuccine pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or pan
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs or spatula
• Strainer

How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

1. Toss the chicken strips with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
2. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and an additional teaspoon of Cajun seasoning (or more if you like it spicier). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the chicken and pasta are well coated in the creamy Cajun sauce.
2. Let the pasta cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and well combined.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
2. Serve immediately, and enjoy the spicy, creamy goodness of your Cajun Chicken Pasta!

Tips for the Best Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Adjust the Spice Level: Add more or less Cajun seasoning depending on your spice preference. For extra heat, sprinkle in a little cayenne pepper.
• Use Any Pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or linguine all work well in this recipe. Choose your favorite!
• Make It Creamier: For an extra rich sauce, stir in a bit more heavy cream or some cream cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use a store-bought Cajun seasoning?
A: Yes! Store-bought Cajun seasoning works perfectly. If you prefer to make your own, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.

Q2: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini to give the dish more veggies.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time and reheat everything together when ready to serve.

Conclusion: A Flavor-Packed Meal in No Time!

This Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish when you’re craving something with a little kick. The tender chicken, spicy Cajun flavors, and creamy sauce make it a winning combination that the whole family will love. Best of all, it comes together quickly, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home in no time.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g

Spice up your weeknight dinners with this delicious Cajun Chicken Pasta, and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!