Description
Cajun chicken pasta blends spicy Creole flavors with rich cream sauce in a hearty Southern-style dish. Louisiana-inspired ingredients create a bold, satisfying meal that delivers comfort and excitement on one plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Protein and Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Coat chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even distribution.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Introduce seasoned chicken and sear for 6-7 minutes, achieving golden-brown exterior and complete internal cooking. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet, sauté aromatic vegetables – onions, garlic, and bell peppers – until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, approximately 3 minutes.
- Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking in remaining Cajun seasoning. Allow mixture to simmer and reduce, creating a rich, velvety consistency for 4-5 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until sauce thickens and develops a smooth, glossy appearance.
- Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently fold in pasta and burst cherry tomatoes, ensuring every component is luxuriously coated with the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for vibrant color and aromatic finish. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level, using less for mild preferences or more for heat lovers.
- Toast Parmesan briefly in skillet before adding to enhance nutty flavor and deepen sauce complexity.
- Choose whole wheat pasta for added nutrition and a heartier texture without compromising creamy sauce.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning and crispy exterior when cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 740 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg