Cajun Chicken Pasta
Cajun Chicken Pasta is a spicy pasta dish that features pan-seared chicken breasts with a cajun-style seasoning. Combine this with a savory cream sauce over penne pasta and you’ll have delicious flavor in this easy to make dinner.
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Homemade creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta has quickly become one of our favorite recipes in our regular rotation. It is a simple and straightforward dinner recipe that packs a ton of flavor. Whether you make your own cajun seasoning or pick up some pre-mixed seasoning from the store, you’ll enjoy the spicy seasoned chicken pieces.
The creamy pasta itself has its own flavor. The key to getting the perfect sauce is in the tomatoes. You can really use any tomatoes that fit your personal preference. Using fire-roasted diced tomatoes will give this a smokier taste, while roma tomatoes can add a bit of sweetness. If you go this route but still want the ramp up the spice, add some black pepper for a little kick or some paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicier experience.
Cajun Chicken Pasta can be made in 30 minutes or less, making it a great dinner option for busy weeknights. If you are planning on using this for weeknight dinners, make sure you are cognizant of the spicy tolerance of your entire family. If you accidently make it a bit too spicy, throw in an extra splash of heavy cream to cool it off.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
Bold, Smoky Spice: Cajun seasoning gives the dish a warm, slightly smoky kick that elevates every bite.
Creamy and Comforting: The heavy cream creates a rich, velvety sauce that balances out the heat from the spices.
Hearty and Filling: With plenty of pasta and protein-packed chicken, this meal is satisfying and great for feeding a hungry family.
Fast Weeknight Favorite: Made in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level, add veggies like spinach or bell peppers, or swap in gluten-free pasta to suit your preferences.
Ingredients to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta:
- penne pasta: A sturdy pasta that holds the creamy sauce well. You can also use rotini, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta if needed.
- chicken breast: Use boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized cubes for quick and even cooking.
- cajun seasoning: Adds bold flavor with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and herbs. Adjust the amount to control spice level.
- onion: Adds savory depth and sweetness as it cooks down.
- garlic: A key aromatic that boosts the overall flavor of the sauce.
- diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and texture to balance the richness of the cream.
- heavy cream: Creates a smooth, rich sauce that mellows out the spice and binds everything together.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and heavy cream. Stir to combine and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce.
Recommended Equipment
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Adjust the seasoning: Start with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and add more to taste. Some blends can be quite salty or spicy, so adjust based on your preference.
- Pasta options: Penne holds the creamy sauce well, but rotini, rigatoni, or even fettuccine are great alternatives.
- Tomato variation: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a subtle smoky flavor. If using plain diced tomatoes, add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
- Cream swaps: You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and butter instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be lighter and less rich.
- Finishing touches: Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the final dish.
- Thicker sauce tip: Let the sauce simmer a bit longer before adding the pasta if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Serving Suggestions:
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Cucumber Onion Salad
- Honey Garlic Carrots
- Chimichurri Roasted Vegetables
- Chopped Mexican Salad
How to Store:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as needed.
Not freezer-friendly: Due to the cream-based sauce, freezing is not recommended as it may separate when reheated.
FAQs:
Yes, shrimp or sausage work well with the creamy Cajun sauce.
It has a moderate heat level depending on the Cajun seasoning used. Start with less and adjust to your spice tolerance.
Yes, use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious.
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Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 3 tablespoons cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and heavy cream. Stir to combine and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce.
Nutrition
Notes
-
- Adjust the seasoning: Start with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and add more to taste. Some blends can be quite salty or spicy, so adjust based on your preference.
- Pasta options: Penne holds the creamy sauce well, but rotini, rigatoni, or even fettuccine are great alternatives.
- Tomato variation: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a subtle smoky flavor. If using plain diced tomatoes, add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
- Cream swaps: You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and butter instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be lighter and less rich.
- Finishing touches: Garnish with freshly grated parmesan, chopped parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the final dish.
- Thicker sauce tip: Let the sauce simmer a bit longer before adding the pasta if you prefer a thicker consistency.
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