Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and indulgent dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and a luscious creamy sauce tossed with pasta. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe combines bold spices with a smooth, cheesy finish and fresh garnishes for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Coat them evenly with the Cajun seasoning to infuse flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the peppers: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but retain some crunch.
- Make the sauce: Add heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the peppers. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken for 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat them evenly in the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and chicken mixture. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the cheese melts and enriches the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sliced green onion to add freshness and color.
- Enjoy: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta immediately while warm to savor the rich and spicy flavors.
Notes
- For a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less creamy.
- Add more vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to increase nutritional value.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with pecorino romano if desired.
