Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce. It's a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly easy to make at home in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon for searing
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper red, green, or yellow
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the onion and bell peppers and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly reduced.
- Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with sliced mushrooms or plant-based chicken substitutes. If you don't have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won't be as thick or rich. Add Andouille sausage for a smoky, spicy kick. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.