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If you’re craving a dish that brings vibrant flavors and comforting creaminess all in one bowl, this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With tender Cajun-spiced chicken, perfectly al dente pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce punctuated by savory Parmesan and colorful bell peppers, this meal hits all the right notes. It’s a beautiful balance of spice, smooth richness, and fresh ingredients that come together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this dish truly shine. Each component brings its own character—from the spice-packed Cajun seasoning to the creamy Parmesan—that combines for an irresistible flavor and texture harmony.
- 250g (8 oz) penne pasta: Choose your favorite pasta shape; penne works perfectly to hold onto the creamy sauce.
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces: Ensures quick cooking and maximum flavor infusion with the Cajun seasoning.
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning: The heart of the dish, delivering smoky, spicy notes—adjust to your preference for some fun heat.
- 1 tbsp butter: Adds a silky richness when sautéing the veggies and building the sauce.
- 1 tbsp cooking oil: Helps crisp up the chicken nicely without burning the seasoning.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste: Essential for highlighting all other flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and texture contrast to the creamy sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (or a combination of green and yellow): Adds a pop of color and a mild sweetness balancing the Cajun spice.
- ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth): Provides depth and deglazes the pan, lifting all the browned bits into the sauce.
- 1 cup double cream (heavy cream): For the luxuriously smooth and creamy texture that coats every bite.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty richness that enhances the sauce’s flavor.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: Offers a fresh, herbaceous brightness that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water to cook the penne pasta until it’s just al dente—still firm to the bite. This texture is crucial to stand up to the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. After draining, be sure to reserve half a cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Cajun Chicken
Season the chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat the cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Setting the chicken aside after cooking frees up the pan for your veggies while keeping those flavorful browned bits behind.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies & Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell pepper. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Let this simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the double cream and grated Parmesan. Allow the sauce to gently bubble for another 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens into a rich, velvety coating.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to ensure every piece of pasta gets coated in that glorious creamy Cajun goodness. If you find the sauce is too thick, simply stir in a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your perfect consistency.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Finish the dish by sprinkling a generous handful of fresh parsley over the top for a touch of color and freshness. Serve it hot straight from the pan. For those who love a bit more kick, feel free to add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of cayenne pepper at this stage.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic, giving a vibrant green contrast and lifting the flavors just a bit. You could also sprinkle extra Parmesan for a cheesy touch or even some chopped green onions for crunch and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy, flavorful pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette rounds out the meal perfectly, inviting you to scoop up any remaining sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers to make an eye-catching presentation. Another idea is plating it in shallow bowls topped with a poached egg for an indulgent brunch option that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the next day just as delicious.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, though the texture of the pasta may soften a bit. Store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creamy texture and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, you can use fusilli, rigatoni, or even fettuccine depending on your preference. Just keep in mind the cooking time might vary slightly.
How spicy is this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The spice level depends on how much Cajun seasoning you add. You can keep it mild or increase the seasoning for a bolder heat. Adding extra cayenne pepper at the end is an easy way to kick up the spice if you like it hot.
Can I substitute the cream for something lighter?
You can swap double cream for half-and-half or whole milk to reduce the fat content, but the sauce will be less rich and thick. Adding a little flour or cornstarch to thicken can help if needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning and broth do not contain gluten. This way, you’ll have all the flavor without any gluten concerns.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, spicy notes perfectly. If you prefer red, a light-bodied wine such as Pinot Noir works well too.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more satisfying to eat. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet simple, perfect for sharing with family or friends on any night of the week. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you might just find your new favorite dinner rotation!
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Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and flavorful creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe that combines tender Cajun-spiced chicken breast, sautéed vegetables, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a spicy twist.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 250g (8 oz) penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to spice preference)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (or a combination of green and yellow)
Sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup double cream (heavy cream)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving half a cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Cook the Cajun Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat the cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies & Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping the pan to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the double cream and grated Parmesan cheese, and simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency to your preference.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta for garnish. Serve the dish hot. For a spicier kick, optionally add cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning to taste.
Notes
- Use white wine for a richer flavor, or substitute with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice tolerance.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
- For a lower calorie version, substitute double cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
