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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Restaurant Style Flavor in 30 Minutes

A close-up of creamy cajun chicken pasta with penne, topped with fresh parsley, served in a white bowl.
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Compose a rich, velvety Cajun cream sauce with tender pan-seared chicken and pasta. This easy Cajun chicken pasta recipe delivers bold, satisfying flavor perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend (use more for bolder flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss the cut chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic and the remaining Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency for the Cajun cream sauce pasta.
  8. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
  9. Serve immediately. Garnish your spicy chicken pasta with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

  • For a one-pot cajun chicken pasta method, cook the pasta directly in the sauce mixture, adding extra broth as needed to keep it submerged while cooking.
  • If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper or use a pre-made Cajun seasoning blend that is low in heat.
  • You can substitute shrimp for the chicken to make a creamy Cajun shrimp pasta variation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishsymphony.com/cajun-chicken-pasta-creamy-easy-recipe/