Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
A comforting one-pot pasta dish with creamy richness and the bold warmth of Cajun spices, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine) Pick your favorite! Penne hugs the sauce well; fettuccine is perfect for twirling.
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced Tender, juicy chicken is a must. Shrimp or sausage are great alternatives.
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste; don't be shy, let those flavors dance!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Good quality olive oil is essential for a silky finish.
- 1 cup heavy cream Brings richness; for lighter options, consider half-and-half.
- 1 cup chicken broth Use low sodium for better flavor control.
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced Add a colorful crunch.
- 1 small onion, chopped Sweet onions bring a hint of sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic elevates the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust according to your preference.
- Fresh parsley for garnish Adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell peppers until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add diced chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook until chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; allow to simmer gently until the sauce thickens.
- Mix in the cooked pasta, ensuring each piece is coated in the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
You can customize this dish by adding vegetables or swapping proteins. Leftovers stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge and can be reheated simply with a splash of broth or cream.