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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously. Allow mixture to simmer and reduce, thickening for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and sauce reaches a smooth, velvety consistency.
- 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.
- 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