BEST CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA
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.
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.