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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices, sautéed to perfection, and tossed with pasta in a luscious creamy sauce. This comforting and easy-to-make recipe brings a spicy southern flair to your dinner table, perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta and Sauce:

  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Slice the rested chicken into strips. Add the cooked pasta and chicken slices to the sauce. Toss to evenly coat everything in the creamy Cajun sauce. Cook for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, spicy Cajun chicken pasta!

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for a more flavorful and juicy option.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Adding vegetables like mushrooms or spinach can add extra nutrition and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, spicy chicken pasta, Cajun seasoning recipe, quick dinner pasta

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe/