BEST CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA

Craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? Imagine tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta coated in a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce that will send your taste buds into overdrive. This Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe delivers that and so much more, promising a restaurant-quality meal on your table in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Let’s Talk About Cajun Flavor

The heart of this Cajun Chicken Pasta Skillet recipe is, of course, the Cajun seasoning. You can easily find a pre-made blend at most grocery stores. Look for one that contains paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your liking – more for a spicier kick, less for a milder flavor. And if you’re feeling ambitious, you can even make your own Cajun seasoning blend! There are tons of recipes online that you can customize to perfectly suit your taste. This dish is perfect for those weeknights when you want a Fast Dinner Recipes.

Choosing the Right Pasta

While penne and fettuccine are popular choices for Cajun Chicken Pasta, don’t feel limited! You can use any pasta shape you enjoy. Rotini, bow ties, or even shells would work beautifully. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente, meaning it’s slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the creamy sauce, and nobody wants that! So, keep a close eye on your pasta while it’s cooking and test it frequently.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.

3. Cook the Chicken:

   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4. Sauté the Vegetables:

   Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the bell peppers and cook until slightly tender, about 5 minutes.

5. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce:

   Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

6. Combine Everything:

   Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.

7. Serve:

   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Cajun Chicken Pasta!

Tips for the BEST Creamy Cajun Pasta

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through, and no longer pink inside.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less Cajun seasoning and add more to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and bell peppers will give your sauce the best flavor.
• Grate Your Own Parmesan: Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Grating your own cheese ensures a creamy, delicious sauce.
• Add Some Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to your Cajun Chicken Pasta. Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious additions.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this Pasta Dinner Recipes is how easy it is to customize. Try these variations to switch things up:

• Shrimp: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a delicious seafood twist. Just be careful not to overcook the shrimp – they cook quickly!
• Sausage: Use Andouille sausage for a smoky and flavorful Cajun kick. You might also enjoy Cajun Sausage Pasta!
• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or eggplant for a vegetarian option.
• Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra fiery kick.

Making it Ahead of Time

While Cajun Chicken Pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. You can cook the chicken and vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the pasta, make the sauce, and combine everything together. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra chicken broth or cream to thin it out.

What to Serve with Cajun Chicken Pasta

This creamy, spicy pasta dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the pasta. You could also serve it with some garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, try serving it with a side of Jambalaya (louisiana Style) or Cajun Potato Soup.

If you’re looking for another Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti, it is a must try, too!

Enjoy Your Easy Pasta Dinner!

So, there you have it – a simple, delicious, and customizable Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. This Easy Pasta Dinner is sure to become a family favorite! And remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

BEST CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes! Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to customize and sure to become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Medium bowl
• Large skillet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound pasta penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the bell peppers and cook until slightly tender, about 5 minutes.
• Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Grate your own Parmesan cheese for a smoother sauce. You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or Andouille sausage. For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or eggplant. The dish is best served fresh, but components can be prepared ahead of time. A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs well with this dish.