Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Spicy, creamy Cajun chicken pasta with seared chicken, bell peppers and penne in a Parmesan cream sauce. A family-friendly, high-protein dinner ready in 30 minutes.
By Tasty Nest Recipes Editorial TeamPublished
30 min total 4 servingsEasy
Photo: kae71463 · CC BY 2.0. Illustrative photo; your results may look different.
About this recipe
Cajun chicken pasta is a restaurant favourite that is easy to recreate at home. Chicken breast is seasoned with Cajun spices and seared until golden, then peppers and onion soften in the same skillet.
A splash of broth, cream and Parmesan turns the pan drippings into a smoky, gently spicy sauce that clings to penne. Adjust the heat with more or less seasoning.
Equipment you'll need
- Large pot
- Large deep skillet
- Instant-read thermometer
Tips for success
- Cajun seasoning blends vary in salt; taste the sauce before adding any more salt.
- Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce rather than more cream.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Substitutions and variations
- Use shrimp instead of chicken; cook for 2 to 3 minutes until pink.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half thickened with 1 teaspoon cornstarch for a lighter sauce.
- Use sliced andouille sausage with the chicken for a smokier flavour.
Storage and reheating
To store: Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce can separate.
To reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth until steaming hot (165°F / 74°C).
Recipe
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Spicy, creamy Cajun chicken pasta with seared chicken, bell peppers and penne in a Parmesan cream sauce. A family-friendly, high-protein dinner ready in 30 minutes.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Level
- Easy
Ingredients
Tick off ingredients as you gather them.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Cook the penne in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Sear the chicken
Toss the chicken with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning. Heat the oil in the skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes, turning, until golden and cooked through to 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Cook the vegetables
Melt the butter in the skillet and cook the peppers and onion for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and the remaining seasoning for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Make the sauce
Add the broth and scrape up the browned bits. Stir in the cream and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened, then stir in the Parmesan.
Step 5: Combine
Add the pasta, chicken and tomatoes and toss, adding pasta water as needed to make a silky sauce. Serve topped with scallions or parsley.
Cuisine: American (Cajun-inspired) · Course: Dinner
Estimated nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 740
- Protein
- 46 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Carbs
- 72 g
- Fibre
- 4 g
- Sugars
- 6 g
Approximate values estimated from typical nutrition data for the listed ingredients, excluding optional toppings and serving suggestions. Actual values vary with brands, portion sizes and substitutions. Not verified by a dietitian or laboratory analysis.
tastynestrecipes.com/recipes/cajun-chicken-pasta
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