Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Bursting with flavors from Cajun seasoning, this creamy pasta dish combines tender chicken, rich sauce, and spices for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta Use your preferred pasta shape.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts Slice into thin strips.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste for spice level.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the chicken.
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Add at the end of sautéing vegetables.
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Can substitute with Pecorino Romano.
- Salt to taste salt
- Pepper to taste pepper
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish chopped fresh parsley To add on top before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine or penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Season them with the Cajun seasoning, making sure every piece is well-coated.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Serving
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta!
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for enhanced flavor. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based protein. Adjust spice level by modifying Cajun seasoning. Pasta may be replaced with gluten-free varieties if needed. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.