Description
Indulge in this decadent and easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, a comforting dish bursting with bold Cajun flavors, tender chicken, and a luscious, creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tbsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Cajun Seasoning (or substitute 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning)
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Cajun Seasoning (or substitute 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Additional Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
Cook penne pasta per package directions until al dente. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Toss chicken with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 1 tsp salt.
Heat olive oil in a skillet, add chicken, and cook until browned; set aside.
Melt butter in the same skillet, add onion and bell peppers, and cook until softened.
Stir in garlic, tomato paste, and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute.
Add chicken broth, scraping the pan.
Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper, then bring to a simmer.
Add Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, adding pasta water if needed for consistency.
Return chicken to the skillet.
Add drained pasta and toss to coat, heating through.
Garnish with parsley and Parmesan.
Notes
Getting a good sear on the chicken not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the chicken moist and tender.
That starchy water is a natural emulsifier, helping to bind the sauce and make it extra creamy and smooth.
Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and chicken, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Cajun seasoning can vary in salt content.
Add the Parmesan cheese gradually and stir constantly to ensure it melts smoothly without clumping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Calories: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Protein: N/A