Description
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices are cooked to golden perfection and tossed with al dente penne pasta in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this comforting meal combines bold spices with a luscious creamy sauce to satisfy your cravings with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts evenly with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken in the skillet for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until both sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken slightly and develop flavor.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked chicken slices and drained penne pasta back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Add vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach to increase the nutritional value and add color.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice tolerance—start with less if you prefer milder flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
