why make this recipe
This pasta has bold Cajun spice, creamy sauce, and tender chicken. It cooks fast and fills the whole family. If you like simple weeknight dinners, this is a good pick. For more quick chicken ideas, check out quick chicken meals.
introduction
Cajun Chicken Pasta mixes spicy chicken, peppers, and a creamy sauce with pasta. It uses few ingredients and tastes rich. You can change the heat level to fit your family. If you like seafood versions, see this Cajun shrimp pasta for ideas.
how to make Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients :
8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine), 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup bell peppers (sliced), 1/2 cup onion (diced), Salt and pepper to taste, Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Directions :
Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside. Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and slice. In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers; sauté until soft. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a simmer. Add the cooked pasta and chicken; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
how to serve Cajun Chicken Pasta
Serve hot with extra grated Parmesan on top. Add a squeeze of lemon if you like a bright touch. Serve with bread or a side salad. For extra protein or a twist, try ideas from this list of rotisserie chicken ideas.
how to store Cajun Chicken Pasta
Cool the pasta to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a pan over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy. You can freeze for up to 2 months, but the cream may change texture when thawed.
tips to make Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Use the right pasta: penne or fettuccine hold the sauce well.
- Don’t skip browning the chicken. It adds flavor.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or cream.
- For less heat, use 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning instead of 2.
variation (if any)
- Make it with shrimp instead of chicken.
- Add cooked bacon or smoked sausage for a smoky flavor.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw it first, then season and cook as shown.
Q: Is there a non-dairy option?
A: Use a non-dairy cream or coconut cream, but the taste will change.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: It is moderately spicy. You can reduce Cajun seasoning to make it milder.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can cook the pasta and sauce ahead, but keep them separate and combine when reheating.
Conclusion
This Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is easy, creamy, and full of flavor. For another classic version and more tips, see Cajun Chicken Pasta.
Print
Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delicious Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe featuring spicy chicken, creamy sauce, and tender pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup bell peppers (sliced)
- 1/2 cup onion (diced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and slice.
- In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers; sauté until soft.
- Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a simmer.
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken; toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
For less heat, use 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning instead of 2.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Cajun Chicken Pasta, quick dinner, creamy pasta