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Cajun chicken pasta with bell peppers and linguine.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! A delightful combination of tender chicken, flavorful Cajun spices, and a rich, creamy sauce tossed with pasta, this dish is both indulgent and easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta dish is packed with bold flavors and can be easily customized with different proteins and vegetables.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course: lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken:
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • For the Pasta:
  • 12 oz 340g penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ cup diced bell peppers red, yellow, or green
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional Add-Ins:
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • ½ lb shrimp as an alternative protein
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for extra spice

Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Large skillet or pan (for cooking chicken and sauce)
  • Cutting board and knife (for prepping chicken and vegetables)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs or spatula (for handling chicken)
  • Strainer (for draining pasta)
  • Wooden spoon (for stirring sauce)

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta:
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  3. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  4. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Set aside.
  5. Prepare the Chicken:
  6. Season the sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.
  7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  8. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden and fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
  9. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  10. Make the Sauce:
  11. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  12. Add diced bell peppers and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
  13. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
  14. Add Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  15. Combine Everything:
  16. Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet.
  17. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well, ensuring everything is coated with the creamy sauce.
  18. If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
  19. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
  20. Serve & Enjoy:
  21. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or red pepper flakes if desired.
  22. Serve hot and enjoy your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta!

Notes

Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to control the heat.
Protein Variations: Swap chicken with shrimp, sausage (like Andouille), or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Pasta Options: Works great with fettuccine, rotini, or gluten-free pasta.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy.
Freeze for up to 2 months, thaw overnight before reheating.