Description
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring tender strips of Cajun-spiced chicken simmered in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers, all tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or penne pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines a spicy kick with creamy indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Sauce & Vegetables
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning evenly to coat.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Vegetables: Add halved cherry tomatoes and sliced bell peppers to the sauce. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables soften slightly.
- Combine: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken with the creamy sauce evenly.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top as garnish and serve warm.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning and adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the amount to your preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Feel free to add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best in this creamy dish.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
