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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts seasoned with smoky Cajun spices, sautéed vegetables, and a luscious cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting meal offers a bold, spicy kick balanced by creamy indulgence, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne pepper)

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta

Dairy & Fats

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped

Other

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with the Cajun seasoning, ensuring a thorough coating. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing thinly.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add butter and toss in chopped bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Sauté gently over medium heat until the vegetables soften and release their aromas, about 5 minutes.
  3. Cook the Pasta: While the vegetables cook, boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir over low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a silky consistency. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Cajun sauce. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.

Notes

  • Use fresh Cajun seasoning for the best flavor—either homemade or a quality store-bought blend.
  • Do not overcook the chicken; cook until just opaque and let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for better melting and richer taste.
  • Simmer the sauce gently over low heat to prevent curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, one pan pasta, quick dinner, comfort food

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