This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a fun and tasty dish! It features tender chicken, zesty Cajun spices, and creamy sauce all tossed with pasta. Yum!
You know it’s a hit when the smell alone makes everyone rush to the table. Trust me, I always save some sauce to lick off my spoon—it’s that good! 😂
This dish is easy to whip up, making it perfect for weeknights. Just cook the chicken, stir in the spices and cream, and mix with your favorite pasta. Delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. If you want to keep it lean, you can use chicken thighs which can add more moisture. Alternatively, tofu or chickpeas work for a vegetarian option!
Cajun Seasoning: This spice blend packs a punch! If you can’t find Cajun seasoning, you can make your own using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Adjust it according to your heat preference.
Pasta: Fettuccine brings a nice texture to the dish, but feel free to swap it for penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if that’s your preference!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or milk, but keep in mind that this might change the creaminess. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Cooking chicken just right is key to this dish. It’s easy to overcook and end up with dry pieces. Here are some tips:
- Slice the chicken into strips to help it cook faster and more evenly.
- Heat the skillet on medium-high before adding oil and chicken. This helps to achieve that lovely golden color.
- Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center (about 5-7 minutes). Use a thermometer to check; it should read 165°F (75°C).
Keeping an eye on the chicken and using a thermometer helps in ensuring it stays juicy and flavorful!
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25-30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta, and about 15-20 minutes preparing the chicken and sauce. It’s quick and perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, toss the sliced chicken strips with Cajun seasoning until they are well coated. This adds that delicious flavor we all love!
3. Brown the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through. The outside should be nice and golden! Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Then, toss in the minced garlic, chopped onions, and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
5. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Make sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan to add flavor to the sauce!
6. Make it Creamy:
Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, which should take about 3-5 minutes. It should be creamy goodness by now!
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir well to coat it in the creamy sauce. This is where all the flavors come together!
8. Add the Pasta:
Finally, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Mix everything together until the pasta is well coated. If it looks too thick, you can add a splash of extra chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious, creamy Cajun chicken pasta!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe features chicken, you can easily substitute it with shrimp or even sausage for a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly; shrimp cooks faster than chicken, so add them later in the process.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own Cajun seasoning using a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Adjust the amounts based on how spicy you prefer your dish!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can certainly make the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time! Just store them separately in the fridge and combine them with the pasta when you’re ready to serve. For the best taste, consume within 2 days.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it up gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce smooth!
