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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously until smooth and fully melted.
- Reintroduce cooked chicken and drained pasta into the skillet. Gently toss to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- 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