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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines smoky Cajun spices with a rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken for a bold yet comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes. This one-pot dish is perfect for busy weeknights, customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins, and guaranteed to satisfy with its creamy, spicy, and hearty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized strips

Spices and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and herbs)

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta

Dairy and Fats

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Aromatics and Vegetables

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • Optional: 1 cup bell peppers (chopped) or 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and toss with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to coat evenly, allowing the chicken to absorb the bold flavors.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with the aromatics and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning for enhanced flavor. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen.
  5. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to thoroughly coat the pasta in the creamy Cajun sauce and warm through. If using optional veggies like bell peppers or spinach, add them now and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to maintain freshness and color.

Notes

  • Season in layers by adding Cajun seasoning to both chicken and sauce for maximum flavor.
  • Do not overcook the chicken; cook until just no longer pink to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and fresher taste.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness as needed.
  • Add vegetables near the end of cooking to preserve their texture and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, easy dinner, one pot pasta, quick Cajun recipe, creamy Cajun sauce

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