Cajun Chicken Pasta

why make this recipe

Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Louisiana right to your kitchen. This recipe combines seasoned chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta, making it perfect for a comforting dinner. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights while still impressing your family or guests with its vibrant flavors.

how to make Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and Cajun seasoning, cooking until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
  3. Add the sliced bell pepper and chopped onion to the skillet, sauté until softened.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and allow to thicken slightly.
  5. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, stirring to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

how to serve Cajun Chicken Pasta

Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta hot right from the skillet. You can place it in a big serving dish for family-style dining. Garnish with fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. Pair it with a simple salad or some garlic bread to complete your meal.

how to store Cajun Chicken Pasta

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It should last for about 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove or microwave until heated through.

tips to make Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Choose good-quality chicken breasts to enhance the flavor.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on how spicy you like it.
  • You can add other veggies, such as mushrooms or spinach, for extra nutrition.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta so it retains a good texture.

variation

For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta or substitute the heavy cream with a milk alternative. You can also try using shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a different protein option.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Cajun Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Q: What can I serve with Cajun Chicken Pasta?
A: It goes well with a green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! Just store it in individual containers and reheat when needed.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines seasoned chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced Choose good-quality chicken for better flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning Adjust based on preferred spice level.
  • 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne) Make sure not to overcook for better texture.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with a milk alternative for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 piece bell pepper, sliced Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
  • 1 piece onion, chopped
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Use as a garnish when serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and Cajun seasoning, cooking until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
  3. Add the sliced bell pepper and chopped onion to the skillet, sauté until softened.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and allow to thicken slightly.
  5. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, stirring to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For storage, let the pasta cool completely, then place in an airtight container. It should last about 3 days in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or microwave until heated through.