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Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold, creamy, and spicy dish featuring tender seasoned chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious sauce infused with traditional Cajun spices. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, this comforting Louisiana-inspired recipe delivers a spicy kick balanced with creamy indulgence that’s both family-friendly and versatile.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta

Dairy & Cream

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)

Oils & Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnishes

  • Chopped fresh parsley or green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to ensure each bite is packed with bold flavor.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for later use.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and diced bell peppers, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Push the sautéed vegetables to the skillet’s side and add seasoned chicken strips. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, around 5-7 minutes.
  5. Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and pour heavy cream into the skillet. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen it to desired consistency.
  6. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat in the creamy Cajun sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh homemade Cajun seasoning to elevate the flavor beyond store-bought blends.
  • Do not overcook the chicken; cook just until no longer pink for juicy results.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling better to the pasta.
  • Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to prevent curdling and develop richness.
  • Sauté garlic and peppers first to build a deep flavor base before adding chicken and cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, spicy chicken pasta, Louisiana pasta recipe, easy Cajun dinner, Cajun chicken, creamy pasta dish

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/cajun-chicken-pasta/