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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy one-pot dinner featuring smoky Cajun spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, oregano, thyme)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mixed red and green bell peppers, diced
  • 3 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Set aside for 5 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and brown for 3-4 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, sauté chopped onion and bell peppers over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds without burning.
  4. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping browned bits from the pan. Add 8 oz pasta, ensuring it is submerged. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid slightly ajar, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Check pasta tenderness starting at 10 minutes.
  6. When pasta is almost al dente, return browned chicken to the pan. Stir gently and cook for another 3-5 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as desired. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Do not skip browning the chicken to lock in juices and flavor. Stir often to prevent pasta from sticking. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste. Use fresh ingredients for best flavor. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, one-pot dinner, easy weeknight meal, spicy pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-one-pot-dinner-ideas/