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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting weeknight dish featuring tender, spicy chicken combined with a rich, velvety creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. This one-pan recipe balances heat from Cajun spices with a silky sauce, making it quick to prepare, easy to customize, and loved by the entire family.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized strips

Seasonings & Spices

  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (freshly ground preferred)

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

Dairy & Creamy Components

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated recommended)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Fats & Oils

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)

Garnishes

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breast into bite-sized strips and toss with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is well coated to maximize flavor.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water for later use.
  3. Sauté Vegetables and Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers and sauté until they become soft. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low, add minced garlic, and cook briefly until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and achieves a silky smooth texture.
  5. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat all pieces in the creamy sauce. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground Cajun seasoning for best flavor and freshness.
  • Do not overcook the chicken; cook just until no longer pink to keep it juicy.
  • Reserve pasta water to help achieve the perfect sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh to avoid anti-caking agents affecting sauce texture.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun, Chicken Pasta, Creamy Pasta, One-Pan Meal, Spicy Pasta, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food, Gluten-Free Option

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