Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
20 mins
-
Total Time
30 mins
-
Servings
6 servings
-
Calories
568 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta involves marinating bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, then browning them in butter. Bell peppers and onions are sautéed until just softened before adding heavy cream, smoked paprika, basil, garlic powder, and more seasoning to build a thickened sauce. Cooked penne pasta and Parmesan cheese are stirred in to create a cohesive, creamy dish.
The flavor features a moderate heat from Cajun seasoning complemented by smoky paprika and subtle herbal notes. The cream sauce softens the spice, yielding a smooth texture coating the penne and chicken. The sauteed vegetables add slight sweetness and textural contrast.
This pasta works well as a main course, served warm and optionally garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs with a simple salad or crusty bread to balance the richness.
Leftovers store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to three days but may lose some creaminess upon reheating. Using different pasta types like linguine is possible for variation. The recipe calls for a specific Cajun seasoning brand but any preferred blend may be substituted.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta cooked according to package instructions and drained
- 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning divided
- ½ teaspoon salt divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper divided
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast boneless, skinless, cut into 1" pieces
- 3 Tablespoons butter divided, salted
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 2 bell pepper sliced (any color, I like to use red
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese fresh
Instructions
- Begin cooking pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large ziploc bag, toss together 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add chopped chicken, zip closed, and shake until chicken is coated. Set aside.
- In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 Tablespoons of butter.
- Transfer chicken to heated pan and cook until chicken is browned and just cooked through (cook in batches if needed). Remove to a plate and set aside.
- Add remaining Tablespoon of butter to pan and cook until melted.
- Add peppers and onion and cook, stirring frequently until beginning to soften (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add heavy cream, smoked paprika, basil, garlic powder, remaining cajun seasoning and ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, cooking until sauce is thickened.
- Return cooked chicken to the pan. Add parmesan cheese and warm cooked, drained pasta and stir until cheese is melted. Serve warm, topped with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Try substituting penne with linguine or your preferred pasta shape for different textures.
- Use your favorite Cajun seasoning blend; the recipe suggests 'Slap ya Mama' for authentic flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; creaminess may lessen when reheated.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 568 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 568kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 33g | 51% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 174mg | 58% |
| Sodium | 488mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 689mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 2608IU | 52% |
| Vitamin C | 44mg | 49% |
| Calcium | 128mg | 13% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
