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Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta
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This quick and easy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender, juicy chicken seasoned with bold Cajun spices and a creamy, comforting sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features perfectly cooked pasta tossed with sautéed bell peppers, garlic, and onion, all coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you need a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s simple to make and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Seasoning

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips
  • 2–3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
  • Salt (for pasta water)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken and Vegetables: Slice chicken into even strips and season generously with Cajun seasoning on all sides. Chop bell peppers, mince garlic, and dice onions ahead of cooking.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water for later use.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add diced bell peppers and cook until tender but still slightly crisp, about 3 minutes.
  5. Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly. Add extra Cajun seasoning if desired for more spice. Let the sauce thicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  6. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to evenly coat them in the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  7. Finish and Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta!

Notes

  • Use fresh or high-quality Cajun seasoning for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook chicken; cook until just done for juicy, tender pieces.
  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen and bind the sauce to the pasta.
  • Adjust spice gradually by starting mild and adding more Cajun seasoning after tasting the sauce.
  • Fettuccine or penne pasta are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce well.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, quick Cajun dinner, spicy chicken pasta, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/cajun-chicken-pasta/