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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 8 reviews

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices, tossed in a luscious creamy sauce, and served over perfectly cooked pasta. This dish combines spicy, creamy, and savory flavors to create a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce and Pasta:

  • 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
  2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender and fragrant.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
  6. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a juicier, more flavorful dish.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun chicken, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe/