Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and creamy sauce with a Cajun kick. This hearty pasta dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or for impressing guests at a dinner party.

Why Make Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and creamy sauce with a Cajun seasoning gives this pasta dish a unique and satisfying flavor.

How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 ¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2-3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (homemade preferred)
• 8 ounces thickly sliced mushrooms
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• ½ pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch segments
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup whole or 2% milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme and parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat in a large pot.
2. Cooking Vegetables:
   • Season chicken pieces with 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, then brown on both sides. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
   • Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pot if needed. Sauté mushrooms for 2-3 minutes.
   • Add red bell pepper and asparagus, cooking until vegetables are slightly tender. Transfer to a plate.
3. Making the Sauce:
   • Reduce heat to low. Melt the remaining butter and add garlic, cooking for 1 minute.
   • Add chicken broth, milk, and cream, bringing to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender.
4. Final Assembly:
   • Remove pot from heat. Stir in cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
   • Return chicken and vegetables to the pot, stirring to warm through. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with chopped thyme and parsley. Serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Cajun Chicken Pasta is delicious on its own but can also be served with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Storage Info

Store any leftover Cajun Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin out the sauce if needed.

Some Techniques or Tips

• Use homemade Cajun seasoning for the best flavor, or adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your taste.
• Be sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.

Variation

You can customize this Cajun Chicken Pasta by adding your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. You can also add cooked shrimp or sausage for an extra protein boost.

FAQs about Cajun Chicken Pasta

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Penne works well in this recipe, but you can also use spaghetti, fettuccine, or any other type of pasta you prefer.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the pasta according to the recipe instructions.

Q: Can I make this dish spicy? A: Yes, you can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to make the dish spicier. Add more seasoning for a spicier flavor, or reduce the amount for a milder taste.