Looking to add a bold twist to your weeknight dinners? This Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe delivers the ultimate combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—all with a Cajun kick that’s hard to resist! Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s ideal for busy days or when you’re craving some heat in your comfort food.
Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Cajun cuisine, this recipe blends French, Spanish, and West African influences into a flavorful and satisfying dish. Whether serving family or impressing guests, Cajun Chicken Pasta will quickly become a favorite at your table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, Bold Flavors: The Cajun seasoning adds a zesty, spicy kick to a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, this is a weeknight hero.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice, swap proteins, or make it vegetarian to suit your preferences.
- Comfort in Every Bite: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken, it’s the ultimate cozy meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Rub chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F).
- Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
- While the chicken cooks, boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender.
Step 4: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated. Add sliced chicken on top and mix gently.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Expert Tips for Success
- Press Your Chicken for Extra Juiciness: Lightly pound chicken breasts for even cooking and tenderness.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Prefer mild heat? Use less Cajun seasoning. Love spice? Add cayenne or chilli flakes!
- Grate Parmesan Fresh: Freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a creamier sauce.
- Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Al dente pasta absorbs sauce better without getting mushy.
Customizations and Variations
- Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a non-dairy option like almond milk.
- Switch Proteins: Try shrimp, Andouille sausage, or tofu for a new twist.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Skip the chicken and load up on mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check Cajun seasoning ingredients.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp side salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add grilled zucchini or asparagus for extra greens.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
Q: What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
A: Penne and fettuccine are classics, but any pasta that holds sauce well, like rigatoni, works too.
Q: How do I make it less spicy?
A: Reduce Cajun seasoning or use a milder spice mix.
Related Recipes
- Creamy Shrimp Alfredo: A seafood twist on creamy pasta.
- Cajun Shrimp Tacos: Another spicy favorite with a Cajun flair.
- Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Creamy Italian-inspired comfort food.
Conclusion
Cajun Chicken Pasta brings the best of bold flavors and creamy comfort to your table. With its simple preparation and customizable options, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re craving something spicy or want to impress guests, this recipe will not disappoint.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Creamy pasta with juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, tossed in a rich sauce that delivers a spicy kick.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti,penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken:Coat the chicken breasts with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, making sure they are evenly covered. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly.
- Cook the Pasta:While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the red and yellow bell peppers, diced onion, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce:Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything:Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until well coated. Top with the sliced chicken and stir gently to combine everything. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste—use less if you prefer a milder flavor or add more for an extra kick.
- To lighten the dish, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use whole milk.
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