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Bowl of creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta topped with herbs and spices

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A spicy, creamy pasta dish that's quick to prepare, featuring Cajun spices and a rich sauce. Perfect for weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni) Cook until al dente.
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Boneless chicken breasts Trimmed and sliced into strips.
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning Adjust for desired spice level.
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil Used for searing.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Use full-fat for best results.
  • 1 cup Chicken broth Use low-sodium if preferred.
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted butter For sautéing vegetables.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced for flavor.
  • 1 small Onion Diced small.
  • 1 medium Bell pepper Red or green, sliced thin.
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated for better melt.
  • 1 tsp Paprika Sweet or smoked for flavor.
  • Salt Salt To taste during cooking.
  • Black pepper Black pepper Freshly ground for finishing.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat chicken dry and slice it into strips. Toss with Cajun seasoning and a little oil.
Searing the Chicken
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Sear the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain.
Cooking Aromatics
  1. Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft.
Making the Cajun Cream Sauce
  1. Add chicken broth and simmer to reduce slightly. Stir in heavy cream, paprika, and Parmesan.
Final Assembly
  1. Return chicken to the skillet, add drained pasta, and toss. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
Serving
  1. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

Use a hot pan for best searing. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking.