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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with sautéed bell peppers and onions in a rich, creamy sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked penne, this dish is quick to prepare and serves as a satisfying meal for any weeknight dinner.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions and drained

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
  • ½ teaspoon salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided

Vegetables and Dairy

  • 3 Tablespoons salted butter, divided
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced (any color, recommended red)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup fresh parmesan cheese

Spices

  • ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Begin by preparing the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a large ziplock bag, combine 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Add the chopped chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake well to evenly coat the chicken with the seasoning. Set aside.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan by cooking in batches if necessary. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the same pan and let it melt. Add the sliced bell peppers and diced onion, cooking while stirring frequently until they begin to soften, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the smoked paprika, dried basil, garlic powder, the remaining 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, and ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the sauce until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
  6. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sauce, then add the parmesan cheese and the drained pasta. Stir thoroughly until the cheese melts and everything is well combined and heated through.
  7. Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, increase the Cajun seasoning slightly or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Use any color of bell peppers or a mix for more color variety.
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese yields the best flavor and smoother melting.
  • If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of milk or chicken broth.
  • This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.

Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe/