Tangy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe to Spice Up Dinner

Crafting a mouthwatering cajun chicken pasta promises an explosion of bold, zesty flavors that dance across your palate.

Spices blend beautifully in this vibrant dish, creating a symphony of robust southern-inspired ingredients.

Every forkful carries rich, creamy textures that complement the fiery cajun seasoning.

chicken becomes the star, marinated and seared to tender perfection with a signature kick.

pasta catches each delectable sauce droplet, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.

Quick and simple techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality meals.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible combination that brings the spirit of louisiana right to your dinner table.

Prepare to savor an unforgettable culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Full Of Bold Flavors

• Spice Up Family Dinners: Transform ordinary weeknight meals into exciting culinary adventures with this zesty Cajun chicken pasta that packs a flavor punch.
• Customize with Ease: Swap bell peppers for your favorite veggies or adjust Cajun seasoning to match your heat preference, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different taste buds.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal: From kitchen to table in less than 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality taste without complicated cooking techniques or multiple dishes to clean.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, spicy, and hearty, this pasta appeals to both adults and kids, guaranteeing clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.

Ingredients Needed For Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Strips: Tender meat that provides the main protein and adds a spicy Cajun flavor to the dish.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy base that creates a rich and smooth sauce with depth of flavor.

• Bell Peppers, Garlic: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and a aromatic base to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: Carbohydrate base that serves as the foundation of the meal.
• Cajun Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps to cook and brown the chicken and vegetables while adding a subtle richness.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the creamy pasta dish.

Step-By-Step Preparation For Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain completely and set aside, allowing it to rest while preparing the other components.

Step 2: Sear Seasoned Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning generously over chicken strips.

Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Saute Colorful Vegetables

• Bell peppers
• Onions

Saute the vegetables until they become tender and slightly caramelized, approximately 3-4 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir the liquid mixture and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to reduce and thicken for 3-4 minutes, creating a rich and velvety base.

Step 5: Melt Cheese Into Sauce

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously until completely melted and incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

Step 6: Combine All Elements

Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the skillet.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the spicy, creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve the pasta immediately while hot, delivering a vibrant and delicious Cajun-inspired meal.

Tips To Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Choose low-sodium Cajun seasoning to control salt levels and prevent overwhelming spiciness.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and crispy exterior.
• Slice bell peppers uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for richer flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.

Variations To Try With Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Seafood Spice Fusion: Replace chicken with shrimp or crawfish for a maritime Cajun experience.
• Vegetarian Pepper Paradise: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein strips, maintaining Cajun seasoning's bold flavor.
• Low-Carb Zoodle Swap: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter meal.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly, creamy sauce that preserves the recipe's rich texture.

How To Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Lunch Powerhouse: Pack this pasta in a sealed container for a hearty midday meal that will keep you energized through afternoon work hours.
• Party Platter Pleasure: Serve in a large, colorful serving dish with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top for a crowd-pleasing appetizer during game nights or potlucks.
• Southern Comfort Plate: Pair with a crisp side salad and warm garlic bread to create a complete Louisiana-inspired dinner that feels like a restaurant experience at home.
• Meal Prep Champion: Divide into individual containers for quick grab-and-go lunches during the week, maintaining delicious flavor and creamy texture when reheated.

Storage Advice For Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Refrigerate leftover Cajun Chicken Pasta in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste.
• Use shallow containers to help the pasta cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep the pasta separate from garnishes like fresh parsley to maintain its crisp texture.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme that gives dishes a spicy, robust flavor with Louisiana-style heat.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version to control the heat level. You can also add a bit more cream to mellow the spiciness.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and appears white throughout with no pink centers. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy and indulgent cajun chicken pasta delivers Southern comfort with rich, creamy sauce and bold flavors. Seasoned chicken and al dente pasta create a satisfying meal you’ll crave time and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 8 ounces (227 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cooking Components:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Generously coat chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, then sear for 5-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. In the identical skillet, sauté bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.
4. Stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously. Allow mixture to simmer and reduce, thickening for approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and sauce reaches a smooth, velvety consistency.
6. Reunite cooked pasta and seared chicken with the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coating. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
7. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for vibrant color and added flavor. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize the Cajun seasoning intensity by using mild or hot varieties to suit personal heat preferences.
• Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary needs without compromising flavor.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter versions or dairy-free options while maintaining creamy texture.
• Pre-chop vegetables and measure ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 629 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg