Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
User Reviews
5
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta uses neutral oil and butter as a cooking base for finely diced red onions and bite-sized chicken pieces. The chicken is seasoned with black pepper, optional salt, and Cajun seasoning for a peppery, slightly smoky spice profile. Garlic enhances the savory notes. The sauce is created by simmering chicken broth and heavy cream, which merge with gradual additions of Parmesan cheese until smooth and coats the chicken and pasta well.
Cooked pasta—either fettuccine or farfalle—is stirred into the sauce, absorbing the flavors. The dish features a creamy texture with a gentle kick from the Cajun spice. Fresh Italian parsley sprinkled on top adds a mild herbaceous contrast. The recipe suggests sparing addition of salt depending on the seasoning brand and offers flexibility in pasta choice and spice intensity.
This pasta works well as a filling main dish for a casual meal. The sauce’s richness complements the tender chicken and al dente pasta. Adjusting Cajun seasoning tailors the heat to personal preference, while the optional inclusion of red or orange peppers can add sweetness and color.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter salted
- 1/2 red onion (finely diced)
- 1 lb. chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 2 Tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt optional as needed
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 garlic diced, cloves
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 red pepper optional, or orange pepper
- Italian parsley chopped for garnish, fresh
- 8 ounces pasta fettuccine or farfalle
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil and butter. Add onions and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add in chicken and cook for 7-8 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Keep stirring. If adding peppers, add them with the chicken. After is cooked through, add garlic, cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper and stir to coat the chicken.
- Meanwhile, heat a pot of water over high heat. Add a generous amount of salt. Once it is boiling, cook pasta according to package instructions. Once it is cooked, drain and set aside.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Add parmesan cheese in increments, stirring well after each addition. Let the sauce chicken and coat the chicken. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Add in cooked pasta and coat with the sauce. Taste for seasoning and for extra spice, add more cajun seasoning. Top with extra parmesan cheese and fresh Italian parsley.
Notes
- Salt should be added at the end depending on the salt content of your Cajun seasoning.
- Increase Cajun seasoning to raise the spice level to your taste.
- Fresh minced garlic can be replaced with garlic powder (1/2 to 1 teaspoon).
- Use your preferred pasta; fresh fettuccine enhances the dish's texture.
- Heavy cream is key for thickness; substituting half-and-half results in a thinner sauce.
- Chicken broth adds flavor depth; add more after mixing pasta if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 640 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 640kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 39g | 60% |
| Saturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 160mg | 53% |
| Sodium | 893mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 624mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 2685IU | 54% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 167mg | 17% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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