Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with sautéed bell peppers, garlic, and a rich creamy sauce tossed with pasta. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, it balances spicy, creamy, and savory elements in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the fettuccine or penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season and cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the sliced chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken strips for 5–7 minutes until browned on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and peppers: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sliced red and yellow bell peppers, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until they soften slightly and release their aroma.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add cheese and seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season the sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked Cajun chicken strips to the skillet with the sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken well.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish and serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spiciness according to personal taste.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Add mushrooms or spinach with the bell peppers for additional vegetables and nutrition.
