Description
Easy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices, sautéed vegetables, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, customizable to your spice preference, and delightful for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings & Spices
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, herbs)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red or green bell pepper, sliced
Dairy & Fats
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a bit of butter or olive oil. Sauté the diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers until softened and fragrant.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with additional Cajun seasoning if desired. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly. Adjust the sauce consistency as needed by adding the reserved pasta water.
- Combine and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Heat through for a couple of minutes, then serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh Cajun seasoning, either homemade or fresh store-bought, for the most vibrant flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy; allow it to rest before slicing.
- Reserve pasta water to help achieve the perfect creamy sauce texture and better sauce adherence.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for best melting and flavor.
- Adjust spice levels by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, quick dinner, one-pan pasta, easy weeknight meal, Cajun seasoning, comfort food