Description
Cajun chicken pasta is a creamy, spicy one-pan dinner featuring tender seasoned chicken, al dente penne, and a rich parmesan cream sauce that comes together in about 30 minutes. This restaurant-quality dish delivers bold Louisiana-inspired flavors with smoky paprika, garlic, and just the right amount of cayenne heat. The cream and parmesan naturally balance the spice while colorful bell peppers add freshness to every forkful. For more creamy pasta inspiration, explore our pasta recipes collection.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken strips generously with cajun seasoning, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken strips in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Add onion and bell peppers, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-6 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Return chicken to the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss everything together until pasta is evenly coated with sauce and heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce cajun seasoning to 1 tablespoon or omit cayenne pepper from homemade blends.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts for extra moisture and richer flavor.
- Add a splash of pasta water if reheating leftovers to restore the creamy consistency.
- Sun-dried tomatoes or fresh spinach make excellent additions if desired.
Nutrition
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