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Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta
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This Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful dish combining tender chicken seasoned with bold Cajun spices, penne pasta, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or sharing with family and friends. The recipe is versatile and customizable, allowing adjustments to spice level, added vegetables, or alternative ingredients for dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Seasoning

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper blend)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne pasta

Sauce & Veggies

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers (mixed colors preferred)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Additional salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or thin strips. Generously season with Cajun seasoning to ensure every piece is packed with bold, spicy flavor.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté Chicken and Veggies: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken from the pan. In the same skillet, sauté chopped bell peppers and minced garlic until fragrant and softened.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with the sautéed veggies and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained penne pasta. Toss gently to coat the pasta fully with the creamy, spicy sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Serve Warm: Transfer the Cajun Chicken Pasta to serving plates or a large bowl. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality Cajun seasoning blends or make your own for best flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve a bit of pasta water to loosen sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Stir Parmesan cheese into sauce off the heat to prevent clumping and maintain a silky texture.
  • Adjust the spice level gradually by adding cayenne pepper little by little.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, spicy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Cajun seasoning, comfort food

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/cajun-chicken-pasta/