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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A flavorful and easy-to-make creamy Cajun chicken pasta featuring tender, spicy chicken and a luscious sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red and green)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat, squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the sauce

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and toss in Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add butter. Once melted, sauté minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
  6. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to loosen.
  7. Return chicken to skillet, add drained pasta, and toss to coat evenly with sauce.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun spice if needed.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Watch the heat when simmering the cream sauce to prevent splitting; simmer low and slow for silky texture. Rest chicken after searing to keep it juicy. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and omit or replace Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, Cajun seasoning

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-spicy-tender-chicken-meal/