Description
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta features tender pan-seared chicken, a silky Cajun-spiced sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a bold, comforting weeknight dinner. It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor, making it a family favorite and a dinner-party showstopper.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (plus 1 teaspoon extra for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 lemon, juiced (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Slice chicken into thin strips. Season with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Thinly slice bell pepper and onion, mince garlic, and chop parsley.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Cook the Cajun chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate and cover.
- Sauté veggies and build the sauce: Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Cook onions and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and stir. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish and combine: Add cooked pasta and Cajun chicken (plus juices) to the skillet. Sprinkle in Parmesan and toss. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning or add lemon juice.
- Garnish and serve: Turn off heat. Scatter parsley and cracked black pepper over the top. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. Make it gluten-free with GF pasta, or dairy-free with coconut cream and vegan cheese. Adjust Cajun seasoning for spice level. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Freshly grated Parmesan melts best. Add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of recipe (generous bowl)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 56
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 34
Keywords: creamy cajun chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, spicy pasta, chicken pasta, cajun recipe, easy pasta, comfort food