Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with sautéed vegetables and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfectly cooked pasta is tossed in a flavorful blend of heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, creating a comforting and satisfying meal ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 10 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook further until they are browned and tender.
- Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the Cajun chicken pasta immediately, optionally garnished with fresh parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.
- Fresh parsley garnish is optional but adds a fresh, herbal note and enhances presentation.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding the cream to avoid any rawness in the dish.
