Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta features tender chicken, Cajun-seasoned sauce, crisp bell peppers, and Parmesan all tossed with pasta. A quick, flavorful 30-minute dinner that tastes restaurant-quality.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Seasoning:
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
(or use 2 tbsp pre-made Cajun seasoning)
For the Pasta:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Mix Cajun seasoning ingredients together or use pre-made blend.
2. Toss chicken in Cajun seasoning until well coated.
3. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
5. In same skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
6. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes.
7. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
8. Return chicken and add pasta. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
9. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Leftovers keep up to 3 days in the fridge.
Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
Freezing is possible, though sauce texture may change slightly.
Customize with shrimp, sausage, or vegetables like mushrooms and spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg