Creamy 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
8 servings
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Calories
801 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Cajun
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Description
This recipe begins by marinating diced chicken breast in olive oil and Cajun seasoning to infuse spice before cooking. Bell peppers add sweetness and color contrast when sautéed with the chicken, enhancing the dish visually and in taste. The chicken is cooked thoroughly over high heat to develop caramelization and seal in juices.
The pasta is cooked separately and set aside. The sauce is prepared in the same skillet by melting butter, blending in Cajun seasoning, then whisking together heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. This creates a rich, creamy texture with a savory and mildly spicy flavor profile.
The cooked chicken and peppers return to the skillet, combined with the sauce and pasta, allowing the flavors to meld and coat the noodles evenly. The resulting dish balances the warmth of Cajun spices with the luscious creaminess of the cheese sauce.
Serving this pasta hot is ideal to enjoy the creamy texture and tenderness of the chicken. It works well as a filling dinner option with a combination of protein, vegetables, and pasta in one skillet meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 2 bell pepper 1 red, 1 green
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic pressed
- 1/4 cup green onion chopped
For the Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 lb fettuccini
Instructions
- Chop chicken into 1 in chunks. Place in a zip top bag with 1 tbsp of olive oil and cajun seasoning. Mix the chicken until all is coated with the seasoning. Let marinate, while you chop the bell pepper into bite sized pieces.
- Cook pasta per package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat remaining 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and peppers to the skillet with the chicken in a single layer. If there is too much chicken for a single layer, work in batches. Let the chicken cook on the first side for 3-4 minutes without stirring, then use tongs to flip each piece over. Cook on the second side for 2 minutes, then add the pressed garlic, stir well, and cook for 1 additional minute or until cooked through (165˚F internal temp)
- Once the chicken is done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set set aside. In the skillet melt the butter with the seasoning over medium heat. Add the cream, cream cheese, and parmesan and whisk until the cheese is completely melted and bring the mixture to a rapid boil for one minute, then remove from heat.
- Toss the pasta, chicken and peppers with the sauce until coated. Sprinkle the green onions over the top of the pasta. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use a reliable nutrition calculator for accurate nutritional information based on your specific ingredient brands and quantities.
- Ensuring the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F guarantees safety and juiciness.
- For best flavor, cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and promote browning.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 801 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 5.5oz | |
| Calories | 801kcal | 40% |
| Carbohydrates | 46g | 15% |
| Protein | 39g | 78% |
| Fat | 50g | 77% |
| Saturated Fat | 27g | 135% |
| Cholesterol | 256mg | 85% |
| Sodium | 516mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 767mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 3805IU | 76% |
| Vitamin C | 40.7mg | 45% |
| Calcium | 242mg | 24% |
| Iron | 2.4mg | 13% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.