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Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta
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This Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful meal combining tender, spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken with creamy pasta, fresh vegetables, and a rich sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with bold, smoky flavors and a luscious creamy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into bite-sized strips
  • 1–2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend (adjust to taste)

Pasta & Vegetables

  • 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 1–2 bell peppers, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce & Finishing

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Slice your chicken into bite-sized strips and coat them evenly with Cajun seasoning. This crucial step ensures every piece is packed with flavor before cooking.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserving a bit of pasta water will come in handy for the sauce.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced bell peppers and minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant and softened to keep their crunch and vibrancy.
  4. Cook the chicken: Push veggies to the side, then add the seasoned chicken strips to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
  5. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring to combine with the chicken and vegetables. Add grated Parmesan and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach a smooth, creamy consistency.
  6. Toss pasta and finish: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss everything together. Let it heat through for a minute or two so the pasta soaks up the sauce and flavors meld perfectly.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor: blend paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken; cook just until no longer pink to keep it juicy.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to pasta better.
  • Sauté garlic and peppers first to create a fragrant flavor base before adding chicken.
  • Add chopped parsley or green onions at the end to brighten the dish.
  • This recipe can be customized by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or using different cheeses.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently with cream, milk, or broth to refresh the creamy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipe, quick chicken dinner, spicy chicken pasta, one-pan pasta dish

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