Cajun Chicken Pasta
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Introduction
Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy dish that brings a taste of Louisiana to your kitchen. With juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and creamy sauce, it’s a perfect meal for family dinners or quick weeknight meals.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only tasty but also quick to prepare. It uses simple ingredients and is packed with flavor. Plus, it can easily feed a crowd or be saved for leftovers. It’s a great way to enjoy some spice and comfort in one dish!
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients :
Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta
Vegetables:
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the cubed chicken. Season with Cajun seasoning and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until tender.
- Add the penne pasta, cooked chicken, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve garnished with more Parmesan if desired.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta
Serve your Cajun Chicken Pasta hot. It’s great on its own or with a simple salad and some garlic bread on the side. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for more flavor!
How to Store Cajun Chicken Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a little added chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Make sure to cut the chicken into even pieces for even cooking.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste. If you like it spicier, add a little more!
- Stir the pasta occasionally to avoid it sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Variation (If Any)
You can add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes! Shrimp is a great alternative and cooks quickly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead but cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.
What if I can’t find Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the spices to fit your taste!
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste
For the pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
For the vegetables
- 1 each bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version
- 1 cup chicken broth Add extra for reheating leftovers
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus more for serving
- to taste Salt and pepper
- as needed Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the cubed chicken. Season with Cajun seasoning and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until tender.
Cooking
- Add the penne pasta, cooked chicken, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Serve garnished with more Parmesan if desired.
