Description
Spicy one-pot cajun chicken pasta brings Southern comfort to dinner tables with bold Louisiana flavors. Creamy sauce and tender chicken create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsps Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Coat chicken thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear chicken pieces until they develop a rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to a temporary plate, preserving the flavorful pot remnants.
- Introduce diced bell peppers and minced garlic into the same pot, sautéing until vegetables become fragrant and slightly softened.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the pot, creating a luxurious base.
- Add uncooked pasta and remaining Cajun seasoning, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Increase heat to bring liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cover pot and let pasta cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking.
- When pasta reaches al dente texture, reintroduce golden-brown chicken to the pot.
- Fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Garnish with finely chopped parsley for a burst of fresh color and flavor before serving.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing the amount for personal spice preference.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the dish.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Boost protein by adding shrimp or sausage alongside chicken for extra flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg