Description
This Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender bite-sized chicken pieces with sautéed bell peppers and onions, all tossed in a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce. Featuring a blend of aromatic spices and creamy cheeses, this pasta recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente according to package directions
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- ½ yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent. Add the diced red and yellow bell peppers along with the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook until the bell peppers have softened.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook thoroughly until the chicken is no longer pink inside and is cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the softened cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted fully and the sauce has thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat the pasta in the creamy Cajun sauce. Continue cooking until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh finish. Serve the Cajun Chicken Pasta hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the cayenne pepper to taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- To reduce calories, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
