Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Family Favorite: A flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will love.
- Spicy and Creamy: The Cajun spices add a bold kick balanced by the creamy sauce.
- Simple and Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes for an easy dinner solution.
Tools You’ll Need
- Grater: For fresh Parmesan cheese.
- Large skillet: To cook the chicken and sauce.
- Pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Tongs or spatula: For handling the chicken and mixing the pasta.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together bold Cajun flavors, tender chicken, and a luscious creamy sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can whip up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special weekend dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
- Rub the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and remaining Cajun seasoning.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat in the sauce.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the Heat: Add more or less Cajun seasoning depending on your spice tolerance.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better in the creamy sauce.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate it yourself for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Swap the chicken for shrimp and adjust the cooking time to 2-3 minutes per side.
Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use a dairy-free cream alternative and a vegan Parmesan substitute.
Q3: What other vegetables can I add?
A: Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini would be great additions to this dish.
Conclusion: A Creamy, Spicy Favorite!
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for busy nights or entertaining guests, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and share the love!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 490
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 18g
Savor every creamy, spicy bite and share your culinary masterpiece with friends and family!