Quick & Zesty Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner Magic

Whipping up a creamy cajun chicken pasta promises a culinary adventure that sparks excitement in any kitchen.

Spicy seasonings and tender chicken create a mouthwatering combination everyone craves.

Our recipe blends bold flavors with simple ingredients you can easily gather.

Southern-inspired comfort food comes together in less than thirty minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Each bite delivers a robust punch of traditional cajun spices that dance across your palate.

Creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken will have you dreaming about this dish long after dinner.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that brings restaurant-quality excitement straight to your dining table.

Main Ingredients In Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Creamy And Flavorful Dinner

• Chicken: Tender, bite-sized pieces that form the primary protein of the dish.

• Penne Pasta: Core ingredient that provides the base for this creamy pasta dish.

• Cajun Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices that add bold, zesty flavor to the chicken and overall dish.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creamy liquids that create a rich, smooth sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and creamy texture to the sauce.

• Red Bell Pepper, Onion, Garlic: Vegetables that provide depth of flavor and aromatic base.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook chicken and vegetables while adding subtle flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the completed dish.

Directions For Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Creamy And Flavorful Dinner

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Get a large pot of water bubbling. Drop in penne pasta and cook until perfectly tender. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Cajun seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and keep warm.

Step 3: Awaken the Vegetables

• Red bell pepper (diced)
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)

Sauté until vegetables become soft and release their aromatic magic, roughly 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Silky Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Stir until completely melted, creating a luxurious creamy base.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Gently toss until every morsel is coated in the decadent sauce.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve steaming hot and prepare for a flavor explosion!

Tips To Make Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Creamy And Flavorful Dinner Better

• Prevent Pasta Clumping: Rinse pasta with cold water after draining to stop sticking and ensure each noodle remains separate and sauce-ready.
• Boost Cajun Flavor: Toast Cajun seasoning in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding chicken to intensify the spice profile and create deeper, more robust flavors.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Add chicken broth gradually while stirring to manage sauce thickness, preventing it from becoming too thin or overly dense.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust Cajun seasoning based on personal heat tolerance by using mild or hot varieties, ensuring the dish matches your preferred spiciness.
• Maximize Vegetable Nutrition: Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini during sautéing to increase nutritional value and add extra color and texture.

Tasty Combos For Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Creamy And Flavorful Dinner

• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Replace regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas seasoned with Cajun spices for a plant-based alternative.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Modify the Cajun seasoning intensity by using mild spice blends for those who prefer less heat, or add extra cayenne pepper for spice lovers.

What To Serve With Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Creamy And Flavorful Dinner

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the spicy Cajun flavors and cut through the creamy sauce.
• Beer Buddy Boost: Grab a light American lager or wheat beer that complements the dish's robust spiciness without overwhelming the palate.
• Zesty Cocktail Counterpoint: Mix a classic margarita or a citrusy mojito to refresh your taste buds and provide a tangy contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
• Cool Mocktail Alternative: Blend a sparkling cucumber mint refresher that cleanses the palate and offers a light, cooling sensation against the spicy Cajun notes.

Storage Tips For Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Creamy And Flavorful Dinner

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Use shallow containers to help cool food faster and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Transfer pasta to a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to restore moisture. Stir gently and continuously to prevent sticking. Warm for 4-5 minutes until heated through.

Common Questions About Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Creamy And Flavorful Dinner

• What is Cajun seasoning made of?

Cajun seasoning typically contains a blend of paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt, creating a spicy and flavorful mix that gives dishes their signature Louisiana-style kick.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. You can also substitute some of the cayenne pepper with sweet paprika to maintain flavor while lowering the heat level.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this Cajun chicken pasta reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Reasons To Love Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Creamy And Flavorful Dinner

• Savor Spicy Simplicity: Master a restaurant-quality Cajun chicken pasta without complicated techniques, making it perfect for home cooks seeking bold flavors.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single-pan cooking method that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Delight both kids and adults with a creamy, flavorful dish that combines familiar pasta with exciting Cajun seasoning for a crowd-pleasing dinner.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Cajun chicken pasta brings Southern spice and creamy comfort to your dinner table. Robust Creole seasonings dance with tender chicken and al dente pasta, creating a bold culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain completely and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Season chicken pieces with Cajun spices, salt, and pepper. Sauté chicken for 5-6 minutes, ensuring each piece is golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
3. Remove chicken from skillet, leaving residual oil. Add red bell peppers, onions, and garlic to the same pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
4. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Simmer on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to slightly reduce and thicken.
5. Incorporate Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously until smooth and fully melted.
6. Reintroduce cooked chicken and drained pasta into the skillet. Gently toss to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Pasta Selection: Choose whole wheat or gluten-free penne for healthier or dietary-specific alternatives without compromising texture.
• Spice Control: Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity based on personal heat tolerance, starting with less and gradually adding more for perfect flavor balance.
• Protein Variations: Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based protein to create diverse versions of this versatile pasta dish.
• Cream Substitution: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, lower-fat options that maintain creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg