Description
A quick and delicious creamy Cajun chicken pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onions become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt, creating a creamy sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, and mix well to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a splash more chicken broth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer your dish with a bit more heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, offering a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg