Easy Cajun Chicken Pasta
A delightful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with creamy pasta and bold Cajun flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, herbs)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 piece red or green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Cooking Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water for later use.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a bit of butter or olive oil. Sauté the diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with additional Cajun seasoning if desired. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, adjusting the consistency by adding the reserved pasta water if necessary.
Combining Ingredients
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Heat through for a couple of minutes, then serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For the best flavor, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Adjust the heat of the Cajun seasoning to your taste preference.
