Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta! This quick, one-pan dish combines tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's the ideal dinner for busy weeknights, or to impress guests at a dinner party. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this flavorful dish is a must-try for pasta lovers!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
250g (8 oz) penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
2 chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to spice preference)
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp cooking oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced (or a combination of green and yellow)
½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
1 cup double cream (heavy cream)
½ cup grated Parmesan
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the penne until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
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Cook the Cajun Chicken: Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
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Sauté the Veggies & Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion, garlic, and red bell pepper for 2-3 minutes. Add white wine (or broth) and scrape the bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in cream and Parmesan, simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Combine Everything: Add pasta and chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
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Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley and serve hot. For extra heat, add cayenne or more Cajun seasoning.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by modifying Cajun seasoning or adding cayenne.
- Swap chicken for shrimp, sausage, or plant-based protein.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or non-dairy cream alternatives.
- Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, or freeze for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American