Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken pieces sautéed with vibrant vegetables and smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. Tossed with your choice of pasta, this dish delivers a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory notes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 10 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it well and set aside to be combined later.
- Season the chicken: Coat the chicken pieces evenly with Cajun seasoning to infuse bold, spicy flavors.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened and fragrant. Then add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are nicely browned, enhancing their earthy flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked fully through, ensuring juicy and flavorful bites.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce, chicken, and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat the pasta thoroughly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes to add a hint of cheesy richness and heat.
- Serve immediately: Dish out the creamy Cajun chicken pasta while warm. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your liking.
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli for best sauce coverage.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Cajun seasoning blends vary, so taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
