Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This delicious Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta features succulent chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all infused with the bold flavors of Cajun spices. It's perfect for a comforting dinner that's quick to prepare.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 large skillet
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 colander
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 3 cloves garlic Minced.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes Halved.
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish.
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to soften, around 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning based on your preference. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for extra flavor and nutrition. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or garlic bread on the side.