Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne); 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 onion, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Salt and pepper to taste

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Short Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a deliciously bold and comforting dish packed with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich, spicy cream sauce. With the perfect balance of heat and creaminess, this dish is an easy yet impressive meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Flavorful: The Cajun seasoning gives this dish a smoky, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to your preference by increasing or decreasing the Cajun seasoning.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Satisfy your craving for a rich and indulgent pasta dish without leaving your kitchen.
One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup with a simple cooking process.
Versatile Ingredients: Easily swap out ingredients to fit dietary needs or available pantry items.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breast
Cajun seasoning
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic
Heavy cream
Chicken broth
Parmesan cheese
Pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Bell peppers
Onion
Cherry tomatoes
Fresh parsley
Salt and pepper

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and butter. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed and sauté the bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes until they soften and become fragrant.
Prepare the Cream Sauce: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Thicken the Sauce: Slowly stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, thickening it to a creamy consistency.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat. Add the drained pasta and mix until everything is well combined.
Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve Hot: Plate and enjoy your creamy Cajun chicken pasta while it’s fresh and hot.

Variations

Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a blend of Greek yogurt and milk.
Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood version.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with mushrooms or zucchini for a meat-free dish.
Extra Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar for extra richness.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning used. You can easily adjust it to be milder or spicier based on your preference.

What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, penne, or linguine are great options as they hold the sauce well.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! If using pre-cooked chicken, add it toward the end to warm through without overcooking.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and opt for dairy-free Parmesan.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

Make your own with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but for best texture, store pasta and sauce separately and combine when reheating.

What vegetables can I add?

Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are great additions to this dish.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit of broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. A mix of milk and a bit of cornstarch can help thicken it.

What protein substitutes can I use?

Shrimp, tofu, or sausage all work well as protein substitutes in this recipe.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a fantastic dish that delivers bold flavors with a rich, velvety sauce. Whether you make it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a comforting meal that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious!

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