Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Easy Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers bold flavor in an easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce. Quick & satisfying!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Cajun
# Ingredients:
→ Cajun-Spiced Stars
01 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
→ The Creamy Foundation
04 -
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
05 -
1 medium red bell pepper, cored and diced
06 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
08 -
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
→ Pasta & Finishing Touches
09 -
12 oz penne pasta
10 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
12 -
1/2 tsp kosher salt
13 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup pasta water for later if needed.
02 -
In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
03 -
In the same skillet, add 1/2 medium yellow onion and 1 medium red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 cloves garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This builds the base for your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Easy Dinner Recipe.
04 -
Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, then stir in 1 1/2 cups heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes.
05 -
Add the cooked 12 oz penne pasta and cooked 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat everything. Incorporate 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
06 -
Season the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Easy Dinner Recipe with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, before serving immediately. Enjoy this easy dinner recipe!
# Notes:
01 -
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. You can also swap chicken for shrimp or sausage.
02 -
Leftovers of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.
03 -
Serve this rich pasta dish with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to complete your meal.
04 -
If your sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water or a splash of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Large pot
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Sharp knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 680 kcal
Total Fat: 26 g
Total Carbohydrate: 69 g
Protein: 41 g