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
Scale
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.
