Cajun Chicken Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
703 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Description
This recipe starts by cooking penne pasta until al dente, reserving some cooking water. Chicken breast cubes are seasoned with Cajun seasoning and browned in a skillet with butter and olive oil. Sliced bell pepper is added and cooked until tender. Garlic and diced tomatoes are incorporated for brightness and aroma.
The heat is reduced to medium-low to blend in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, cream cheese, the remaining Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. The cream cheese softens to create a velvety sauce coating the chicken and vegetables. Cooked pasta is tossed in, combining everything evenly. Pasta water can be added to adjust sauce consistency.
Garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan adds freshness and flavor finish. The recipe advises to avoid overcooking pasta for best texture and to prevent chicken dryness, keeping the dish balanced. Additional vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can be included if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 8 ounces penne pasta (227g)
- 2 chicken breast cut into bite-size cubes (about 1 pound/450g, boneless skinless
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning divided, 2 teaspoons
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- ¾ cup diced tomatoes (150g)
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240mL)
- ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese 28g, grated
- 4 ounces cream cheese (112g)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
- parsley chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the salt and the pasta and cook according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on all sides. Add the bell pepper and cook until tender, about 6 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the cream, parmesan, cream cheese, remaining 2 teaspoons of cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Cook until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the pasta and toss until combined and heated through. Add some of the reserved pasta water to thin sauce, if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with more parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- Cook pasta to al dente to avoid sogginess after mixing with sauce.
- Use a large pot so noodles cook freely and evenly.
- Ensure water is boiling rapidly before adding pasta to maintain texture.
- Stir pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking to pot.
- Cook the chicken carefully to avoid dryness, as bite-sized pieces cook quickly.
- Feel free to add more vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to enhance the dish.
- Soften cream cheese by cutting into cubes before adding to help it melt smoothly into the sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 703 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 703kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | 17% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 44g | 68% |
| Saturated Fat | 25g | 125% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 154mg | 51% |
| Sodium | 2132mg | 89% |
| Potassium | 645mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 3366IU | 67% |
| Vitamin C | 44mg | 49% |
| Calcium | 183mg | 18% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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