• Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

    Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in just 30 minutes? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. Juicy, seasoned chicken is tossed with tender pasta and coated in a rich, Cajun-spiced cream sauce that’s equal parts comforting and bold. It’s a satisfying weeknight meal that packs restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss, and you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

  • Pasta dish with chicken and vegetables in a black pan
  • Pasta boiling in a pot on a stove

  • Recipe: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

    Prep time: 10 minutes
    Cook time: 20 minutes
    Total time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients

    For the Chicken & Pasta:

    • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 tbsp butter, divided
    • 12-16 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
    • 1 small yellow onion, diced
    • 1 red or green bell pepper, diced (optional)
    • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
    • Salt and black pepper to taste

    For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:

    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1/2 cup chicken broth
    • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
    • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 tsp paprika
    • 1/4 tsp dried thyme
    • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

    For Garnish:

    • Fresh chopped parsley
    • Extra Parmesan cheese

  • Instructions

    1. Cook the Pasta:
      Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
    2. Season and Cook the Chicken:
      While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry and toss them with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
    3. Sauté Vegetables:
      Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    4. Make the Sauce:
      Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, and dried thyme. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Whisk in the heavy cream and the softened cream cheese until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
    5. Finish the Dish:
      Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens. Add the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

    Serve:Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning for a spicier kick. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

  • Chicken being seasoned and cooked in a frying pan on a stove.

  • Pro Tip

    If you have extra cooked chicken or veggies, you can extend their shelf life by storing them in Stash Proof vacuum seal bags. Vacuum sealing locks in freshness, prevents spoilage, and keeps your food ready for another quick meal later in the week.
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