Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta is one of those magical recipes that whisk you away to the vibrant, spicy streets of Louisiana, right from your kitchen. I remember the first time I had it—it was at a cozy café in New Orleans; the kind of place where the jazz lingers in the air, just like the rich aroma of cooking from the kitchen. The creamy sauce dancing with a blend of tantalizing spices and tender chicken was a symphony on my taste buds. Since then, this dish has become a beloved staple in my home, perfect for evenings when I crave comfort with a kick.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Why make another plain pasta dish when you can have this explosion of flavor? Cajun Chicken Pasta is like a warm hug after a long day—comfortable yet exciting. The balance of creamy sauce, zesty Cajun seasoning, and fresh vegetables makes it an irresistible dish. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, and you can easily scale it to feed a crowd or keep it low-key for a cozy dinner for one. The beauty lies in its versatility; you can jazz it up or tone it down based on who you’re cooking for or what ingredients you have on hand. If you’re looking to impress a date or just cozy up with a bowl for yourself, this recipe has your back!

Gather these ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts: Choose boneless and skinless for that easy, tender bite. If you’re in a pinch, chicken thighs work well too—they’re juicy and flavorful.

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning: This is where the magic happens! You can either buy a blend or make your own if you have the spices—paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and herbs can create a personalized mix.

• 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice: Though fettuccine reigns supreme here with its flat surface beautifully catching the sauce, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand—penne, linguine, or even gluten-free options all shine.

• 1 cup heavy cream: This is the secret to that velvety sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, swap it with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free twist.

• 1 cup chicken broth: Homemade or store-bought, broth brings depth to the sauce. If you’re using a concentrated broth, keep some water handy to dilute.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: This will get your skillet ready for frying that chicken. You can substitute with any neutral oil, but I find extra virgin olive oil to give a lovely flavor.

• 1 bell pepper (sliced): You can use red, green, or yellow—each brings its own sweetness and color to the dish.

• 1 onion (sliced): Sweet onions complement the chicken beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, shallots can add a refined touch.

• Salt and pepper to taste: A pinch of kitchen love is all it takes.

• Parmesan cheese for serving: Because let’s be honest, cheese makes everything better! Grated fresh cheese melts into the dish nicely.

• Parsley for garnish: This is your touch of color and freshness. A sprinkle of freshness can brighten the entire dish!

Preparing Cajun Chicken Pasta

1. Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions; once it’s perfectly al dente, drain it and set it aside in a large bowl.

2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. The oil should shimmer, but be careful not to let it smoke!

3. Grab your chicken breasts and season them generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper—it should smell fantastic already.

4. Place the chicken in the skillet, giving it space so it can brown nicely. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. This is the key to juicy chicken. Once done, remove the chicken and slice it on a cutting board—set aside for later.

5. In the same skillet, drop in the sliced onions and bell pepper. Give them a good stir and sauté until softened. Can you smell that? It’s aromatic heaven!

6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let those flavors mingle for about 2-3 minutes.

7. Stir in the heavy cream next, bringing it back to a simmer. Cook it just enough that the sauce thickens slightly—this is when the sauce works its own magic, turning creamy!

8. Toss in your cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the skillet with the sauce. Don’t just dump them in—give it a good toss to ensure everything is coated beautifully.

9. Finally, plate it up and don’t forget to shower it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for that gorgeous finish.

How to plate and pair

Now, let’s talk about how to serve this masterpiece. A big bowl of Cajun Chicken Pasta is just waiting for you to dive in. Serve it family-style for a cozy dinner atmosphere, letting everyone help themselves. For a bit of crunch, consider serving a side salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread can also elevate the meal, perfect for sopping up that rich sauce. If you have a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, it pairs beautifully with the spices, creating a delightful contrast.

Storage and reheating tips

So, what do you do with any leftover pasta? First things first—transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should be good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, a splash of extra broth or cream while reheating in a skillet helps revive it. Just warm it gently, stirring regularly so it doesn’t stick to the pan.

For longer storage, you can freeze it! Just let it cool completely before putting it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to feast, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat as mentioned above.

Pro chef tips

• Don’t skip the seasoning on the chicken—it’s vital for flavor. You could marinate the chicken in the Cajun seasoning for an hour (or overnight) for an extra flavor boost.
• If you love a good kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce—there’s no such thing as too spicy!
• Experiment with veggies! Throw in some spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

Creative twists

Feeling creative? Swap out the chicken for shrimp or even andouille sausage for a different twist on Cajun flavor. You could also make it veggie-forward by adding chunks of zucchini or broccoli. And for the pasta lover’s dream, why not toss in some sautéed crawfish, when in season? Prepare to wow your guests with every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for serving
• Parsley for garnish

Step-by-step instructions

1. Cook pasta as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook chicken in the skillet for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through; slice and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and bell pepper; sauté until softened.
6. Pour in chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
7. Stir in heavy cream and simmer until thickened.
8. Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken; toss to coat.
9. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and parsley on top.

Your questions answered

Q: How long does this dish take to make?
A: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes. It’s a perfect quick weeknight dinner!

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Just cook the pasta and prepare the sauce. Combine them before serving for the best texture.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and skip the Parmesan.

Q: What sides go well with Cajun Chicken Pasta?
A: A simple green salad and garlic bread make excellent companions.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Definitely! Feel free to throw in anything you like—spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms would be great.

This recipe has it all—a touch of spice, a creaminess that’s irresistible, and the potential to make it your own. Go ahead, give it a try! I cannot wait to hear how it turns out for you. Remember, cooking is about enjoyment, experimentation, and a little chaos now and then! Enjoy the journey, and I hope it becomes a cherished recipe in your kitchen as it is in mine. Happy cooking!

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Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: D Delicious High Protein Non Vegetarian Quick Meals Spicy

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time 4 mins Total Time 35 hrs 4 mins

Cooking Temp: medium  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 650

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Cajun Chicken Pasta offers a delightful combination of creamy sauce, zesty Cajun seasoning, and tender chicken for a comforting meal with a kick.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 pieces chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
• 1 cup chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin olive oil recommended)
• 1 piece bell pepper (sliced (any color))
• 1 piece onion (sliced)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Cook the Pasta

   Cook pasta as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
   Mark as complete

2. Heat the Oil

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   Mark as complete

3. Season and Cook Chicken

   Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken in the skillet for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through; slice and set aside.
   Mark as complete

4. Sauté Vegetables

   In the same skillet, add sliced onions and bell pepper; sauté until softened.
   Mark as complete

5. Add Broth

   Pour in chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
   Mark as complete

6. Incorporate Cream

   Stir in heavy cream and simmer until thickened.
   Mark as complete

7. Combine Everything

   Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken; toss to coat.
   Mark as complete

8. Serve

   Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and parsley on top.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 650kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 44g68%

Saturated Fat 24g120%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 150mg50%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 900mg26%

Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 2g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 900 IU

Vitamin C 60 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 2.5 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 10 mcg

Thiamin 0.2 mg

Riboflavin 0.5 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0.4 mg

Folate 40 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 25 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 25 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Feel free to customize with more vegetables or different proteins.

Keywords: Cajun Chicken Pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, Cajun recipe