Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and indulgent dish that combines perfectly seasoned chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce. The fettuccine pasta soaks up the creamy Cajun-spiced sauce, making each bite burst with flavor. This dish is a perfect blend of heat from the Cajun seasoning and the smoothness of the cream, making it a satisfying and delicious meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Remove from the skillet and slice into strips.
- In the same skillet, add the red and green bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and tender.
- Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: For an extra spicy version, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese: Try adding a combination of cheeses, such as gouda or mozzarella, for a richer flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce as it warms. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
10 FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni, instead of fettuccine.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta in advance, then store everything separately. When ready to serve, heat the components and combine them with the sauce.
- Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? Yes, half-and-half can be used for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning? You can create your own Cajun seasoning blend using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano.
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, just be sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- How do I know when the chicken is done? The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) or when it’s no longer pink in the center.
- Can I use different vegetables? Yes, feel free to swap in other vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes.
- Can I make this dish spicier? Absolutely! Add more Cajun seasoning or include chopped fresh chili peppers for a greater kick.
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, if you have leftover or rotisserie chicken, you can add it to the sauce and warm it up for a faster cooking time.
- How can I make the sauce thicker? To make the sauce thicker, you can reduce it by simmering it for a few minutes longer, or you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) to thicken it.
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish packed with flavor and creamy richness. The combination of Cajun-spiced chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce makes for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a special treat, this dish is a perfect choice for a flavorful, comforting meal.
PrintCreamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A bold and flavorful dish, this creamy Cajun chicken pasta combines tender chicken, sautéed peppers, and a rich, cheesy sauce, all tossed with fettuccine pasta for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner with a touch of spice!
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and slice into strips.
- In the same skillet, add bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss until everything is well coated in the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a mild version.
- You can substitute fettuccine with any pasta of your choice, such as penne or spaghetti.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes