This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a party on your plate! With juicy chicken, lively spices, and a rich creamy sauce, it’s a dish that packs a flavorful punch. Yum!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up in just one pot. I often catch myself twirling the pasta in the sauce like a pro chef—okay, maybe not, but it’s still fun! 😄
This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Just toss it all together, and soon, you’ll be enjoying a cozy meal that feels like a treat without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for quick cooking. If you’re in a pinch, rotisserie chicken is a convenient substitute—just shred it and toss it in at the end!
Cajun Seasoning: This is the star of the show! If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, try a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. It’ll give you that kick!
Pasta: Fettuccine or penne pasta is ideal, but feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand, like fusilli or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free version. It’ll still taste great!
How Can You Make Sure the Pasta Stays Perfectly Coated?
The key to a creamy sauce clinging to your pasta is timing and technique. After you sauté your veggies, it’s important to add the cream and broth together, which helps create that luscious sauce.
- Make sure to simmer the sauce so it thickens before tossing in the pasta.
- Once you combine the sauce with the cooked pasta, mix gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated.
- Save a bit of pasta water in case the sauce seems too thick. Just a splash can help adjust the consistency!
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe will take you about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and another 15-20 cooking everything to delicious perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain it well and set it aside. This will be the base for your tasty dish!
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken pieces and season them with Cajun seasoning, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will give them that flavorful kick that makes the dish so special.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for later.
4. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, sliced onion, and both bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. This will add great flavor to your sauce!
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir it all together and bring it to a gentle simmer. This will help combine the flavors and create that creamy sauce you love.
6. Add the Cheese:
Now it’s time to add the grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture. Stir it in and let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. This should take just a few minutes.
7. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy Cajun sauce, making sure every piece is deliciously coated!
8. Final Seasoning:
Give your pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Yum!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Plate your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bit of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy every bite of your flavorful meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; shrimp will cook quicker than chicken.
What if I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No problem! You can create your own blend using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Adjust the spices to suit your taste for a homemade seasoning mix!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and vegetables in advance, and store them separately in the fridge for up to a day. However, it’s best to cook the pasta and assemble everything just before serving for optimal texture!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
