Description
Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers a flavor explosion that dances across your palate with Louisiana-inspired boldness. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and zesty seasonings combine for a quick weeknight dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts (sliced)
- 8 oz (226 grams) penne pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 bell pepper (sliced, any color)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 14 cup (15 grams) chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Liberally coat chicken pieces with Cajun spice blend, ensuring each slice is thoroughly seasoned.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate temperature, then sear chicken until achieving a crisp, golden exterior and complete internal doneness. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
- Utilize the identical cooking vessel to caramelize diced onions, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour rich chicken broth and velvety heavy cream into the vegetable mixture, then introduce uncooked penne and remaining Cajun seasoning. Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients.
- Seal the pot with a tight-fitting lid and allow contents to gently simmer, stirring intermittently to prevent pasta from sticking, until noodles reach perfect al dente texture.
- Fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and previously cooked chicken, creating a harmonious blend. Taste and refine seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a burst of color and herbaceous notes. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to match personal heat tolerance, using less for mild flavor or more for extra kick.
- Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary variety.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure smooth, consistent sauce.
- Use gluten-free penne and dairy-free cream alternatives for lactose-intolerant or gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg