Short introduction
Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and creamy sauce with bow tie pasta. This hearty meal is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends and family. It’s spicy, creamy, and packed with flavor, bringing the taste of Louisiana right to your kitchen.
Why you’ll love it
You’ll love Cajun Chicken Pasta for many reasons. First, it’s quick to make, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, the combination of Cajun seasoning with creamy ingredients creates a rich flavor profile that tantalizes your taste buds. Additionally, this dish is versatile; you can adjust the spiciness to your liking and even swap out ingredients to suit your dietary needs. Finally, serving it alongside garlic bread or a green salad makes for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. bow tie pasta
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
- 2-3 chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 3 tsp. Cajun seasoning, more or less to taste
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into slices
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into slices
Substitutions & key variations
If you want to make substitutions, feel free to use gluten-free pasta instead of bow tie pasta. For a lighter version, you can replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative. If you prefer more veggies, add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. For added protein, you can swap out chicken for shrimp or sausage. The choice is yours!
Step-by-step
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add the bow tie pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, rinse it with cold water, and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the cubed chicken breasts along with the sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Sprinkle 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper over the mixture. Cook everything for about 4-5 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, add 1 cup of milk and 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted, and the sauce becomes creamy.
Step 4: Combine
Add the cooked pasta noodles and 3/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined. Make sure the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
Success tips
To achieve the best results, always cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures that it is safe to eat. The texture of the sauce should be creamy without being too thick. If it seems too thick, you can add a little extra milk. A common mistake is to overcook the pasta, so be sure to monitor it closely during cooking to maintain that perfect al dente texture.
How to serve
Cajun Chicken Pasta is best served immediately after preparation. You can dish it out onto plates and garnish with extra parmesan cheese or fresh parsley for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the pasta.
Storage & reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cajun Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness can be adjusted by using more or less Cajun seasoning. Start with the recommended amount and add to taste.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Cajun Chicken Pasta is great for meal prep. Just store the portions in individual containers for quick grab-and-go meals during the week.
What can I serve with Cajun Chicken Pasta?
You can serve it with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or even steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This dish offers a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying meal option. The use of chicken provides lean protein, while the cream cheese and parmesan cheese contribute calcium and essential nutrients.
Conclusion + CTA
Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delightful meal on your table in no time. Give it a try tonight or share it with family and friends for a delicious gathering!
Links to related recipes
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 oz bow tie pasta
For the Sauce
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 ½ tsp minced garlic
- 2-3 pieces chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 3 tsp Cajun seasoning, more or less to taste
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk
- ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into slices
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into slices
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add the bow tie pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, rinse it with cold water, and set it aside.
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
- In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Next, add the cubed chicken breasts along with the sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Sprinkle 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper over the mixture.
- Cook everything for about 4-5 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
Creating the Sauce
- Once the chicken is cooked, add 1 cup of milk and 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted, and the sauce becomes creamy.
Combining
- Add the cooked pasta noodles and 3/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined. Ensure the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.