Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a delightful dish combining tender chicken, a rich and spicy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It is an easy one-pot meal, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Colander
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper diced any color
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the undrained diced tomatoes to the pot, and stir to combine. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For added heat, consider incorporating some red pepper flakes or using a spicier Cajun seasoning.
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or sausage for a different flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.