Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick, comforting dish packed with bold Cajun spices, juicy chicken, sautéed veggies, and a rich cream sauce—all tossed with tender pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips
2–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning until fully coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté the sliced onion and red bell pepper for about 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and toss to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Add smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for extra heat and flavor.
Include mushrooms or spinach for added nutrients.
Can substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood twist.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
