Description
Creamy one pot cajun chicken pasta brings Southern comfort to dinner tables with bold, spicy flavors. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, offering you a quick and satisfying meal that celebrates Louisiana’s culinary spirit.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
- 3 cups (720 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken in a large pot over medium heat with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onions and bell peppers until they become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the vegetable mixture, creating a rich base. Add penne pasta and stir to combine, ensuring pasta is submerged in liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Once pasta reaches al dente consistency, reintroduce the cooked chicken to the pot. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and gently fold until cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Taste and fine-tune seasoning with salt and black pepper. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.
Notes
- Swap out regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions and add extra nutrition.
- Reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the dish.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost the nutritional value and create more vibrant color in the pasta.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and control the salt to make the recipe more heart-healthy and suitable for those watching sodium intake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 571 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg