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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta with a savory spice kick, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights. This dish features tender chicken, a rich cream sauce, and bold homemade Cajun seasoning.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 ounces penne pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free options work well)
  • 2 tablespoons homemade Cajun seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, black pepper, salt) or store-bought
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mixed bell peppers, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream (full-fat)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 4 ounces softened cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick.
  6. Stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss gently to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. Cook together for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Loosen sauce with a splash of pasta water if needed.
  8. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately. Optionally, serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to get a good sear. Slowly melt cream cheese into warm broth and cream to avoid lumps. Save some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. For spicier flavor, add extra cayenne or hot sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, Cajun seasoning, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, spicy pasta

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