Description
Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta brings southern comfort directly to dinner tables with bold Louisiana-style flavors. Hearty noodles and zesty chicken create a quick meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, then drain and reserve.
- Liberally coat chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper for robust flavor.
- Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter melts and begins to sizzle.
- Sear chicken for 6-8 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Reduce heat and add minced garlic to the same skillet, sautéing until aromatic and slightly golden, approximately 45-60 seconds.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to gently simmer and create a smooth base for the sauce.
- Gradually whisk Parmesan cheese into the cream, stirring continuously until sauce thickens and becomes velvety, about 2-3 minutes.
- Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, then fold in halved cherry tomatoes and reserved pasta.
- Thoroughly toss ingredients to ensure complete coating with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for added color and brightness.
- Serve immediately while hot for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning for mild or extra-hot preferences without overwhelming the dish’s creamy texture.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for lighter, dairy-free alternatives that maintain rich, velvety consistency.
- Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options to accommodate different dietary needs while preserving the recipe’s robust flavor profile.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and prevent steaming instead of achieving a crispy exterior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 840 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 58 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 34 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg