Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Craving a delicious and quick dinner? This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is packed with bold flavors, comes together in under 30 minutes, and is perfect for a weeknight meal. You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or toss in your favorite vegetables for variety.

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Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings: servings

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Ingredients:

8 oz (227 g) penne pasta, cooked and drained
4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
½ teaspoon salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons salted butter, divided
½ yellow onion, diced
2 bell peppers (any color), sliced (red is preferred)
1 ½ cups (355 ml) heavy cream
¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large zip-top bag, combine 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake until the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes (you may need to do this in batches). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the sliced bell peppers and diced onion. Cook, stirring often, for about 3-5 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the heavy cream, smoked paprika, basil, garlic powder, and the remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes:

Feel free to swap the penne pasta with another type, like linguine, if you prefer.
For extra spice, use a Cajun seasoning you love (I recommend "Slap Ya Mama").
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may lose some creaminess upon reheating.

Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Cajun chicken pasta!

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