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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A delightful dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with the comforting creaminess of pasta, featuring tender chicken and a luscious sauce.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Cajun
Servings 4 servings
Calories 750 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the pasta

  • 8 oz penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions and drained

For the chicken

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided

For the sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/3 cup fresh parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • In a large Ziploc bag, combine three teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, along with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Add the cut chicken pieces to the bag, seal it, and shake until all the chicken is evenly coated.

Cooking

  • Heat two tablespoons of salted butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan.
  • In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of butter, and once melted, add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes until tender.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, add the smoked paprika, dried basil, garlic powder, and remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a quick boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until thickened, about 4-6 minutes.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the pan, add the penne pasta, and toss everything until fully coated. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted.

Serving

  • Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese.

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Notes

Consider adding additional vegetables or substituting proteins for a customizable dish. To store leftovers, refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Keyword Cajun recipe, Comfort Food, Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Easy Dinner, Pasta dish