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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta


  • Author: Christine

Description

Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy and spicy dish that brings together tender chicken, flavorful Cajun seasoning, and a rich, cheesy sauce over pasta. This recipe combines the best of Southern and Italian cuisines, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup diced white onion
  • 1 red bell pepperseeded and diced
  • 4 large cloves garlicminced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper**more or less depending on taste
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighscut into bite size pieces
  • 1 cup parmesan cheesefreshly shredded
  • 1 cup heavy creamor half and half
  • 4 oz cream cheeseat room temperature
  • ¼ cup chicken broth

Instructions

  • Boil 6 cups of water in a large pot over high heat and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water (so it doesn’t clump, can also toss a little olive oil on it to prevent clumping) and set aside.
  • While the pasta is cooking, add the butter, olive oil and onion to a large pot over medium-high heat and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
  • Add the red bell pepper, garlic, Cajun seasoning, basil, paprika, ground black pepper, salt and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 3 more minutes or until the bell pepper starts to become soft.
  • Add the chicken and stir and cook for another 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Add the parmesan, heavy cream, cream cheese and chicken broth and stir and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken and the cream cheese has fully melted.
  • Add the cooked and drained pasta and stir to coat pasta with sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then serve with freshly chopped parsley on top, if desired.

Notes

  • Adjust spice level by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning.
  • For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or cashew cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  • Customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.