This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a mouthwatering dish that brings a kick to your dinner table. It’s made with tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce that has just the right amount of spice!
Trust me, this comforting meal is perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself. I love how quickly it comes together—just a few steps, and you’ll be savoring every bite in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: Penne has that perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce. If you don’t have penne, you can swap it for farfalle, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just check the cooking time to ensure it’s cooked perfectly!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works great for this recipe. You could use chicken thighs for more flavor or even leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. Just add them towards the end to heat through.
Cajun Seasoning: This seasoning is key for the classic Cajun flavor. You can make your own by mixing paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. If spicy isn’t your thing, use less or replace it with Italian seasoning for a milder taste.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich texture, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you might try half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. Just remember that it may be slightly less creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds flavor and creaminess. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano works well. Nutritional yeast can be a good cheese substitute for a vegan option.
How Do You Sauté Vegetables Perfectly?
Sautéing vegetables brings out their flavors, and it’s a simple technique. Here are some tips for making sure your veggies turn out just right:
- Use a wide skillet to give the veggies room. This helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this can steam rather than sauté your vegetables.
- Start with oil in a hot pan. Olive oil is great here, but you can also use butter for extra flavor.
- Add the garlic last, as it cooks faster and can burn easily. If you toss it in too early, it may taste bitter.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, for a total of around 35 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but still fancy enough for a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper over them. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the chicken to be cooked through and no longer pink. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Using the same skillet, toss in the diced red bell pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. This will add a wonderful flavor to your dish!
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken just a little bit.
5. Add the Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and combined with the sauce. This will make your sauce rich and creamy.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in that delicious creamy sauce.
7. Season and Serve:
Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for that extra pop!
Enjoy your creamy cajun chicken pasta!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative that adds fiber, while gluten-free pasta can easily be used to make this dish gluten-free. Just cook according to the package instructions and keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch to thicken it up. For a lighter option, try using unsweetened coconut milk—it will give a delicious hint of flavor while being dairy-free!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it from drying out.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes, definitely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just sauté them along with the bell pepper and onion to keep things simple and flavorful.
