Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes)
Indulge in the savory flavors of our Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta! This 30-minute recipe features penne pasta, succulent chicken breast, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich creamy sauce, making it a perfect quick and comforting meal for any day of the week.
Every time I make this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, it takes me back to my college days, where my roommates and I would gather around our tiny kitchen trying to whip up something quick yet delicious amidst our hectic schedules. This dish was born on one such evening when we craved something spicy, creamy, and comforting. Armed with a mishmash of ingredients from our fridge, we experimented with Cajun seasoning and cream, and the result was magical. Since then, it’s become my go-to recipe whenever I need a quick fix that reminds me of those carefree, flavorful days.
Why You’ll Love Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Our Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that can transform your dinner into a special occasion without any fuss.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a meal that’s both satisfying and simple to make.
- Flavorful: With the robust taste of Cajun seasoning paired with the creamy texture of the sauce, each bite offers a burst of flavors that’s sure to please any palate.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different proteins or vegetables, this pasta dish can cater to various tastes and dietary preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike, it’s a great way to bring the whole family together for a delicious meal.
Ingredient Notes
Introduction: To make our Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta shine, here are some notes on the ingredients you’ll be using:
- Cajun Seasoning: Adjust the amount based on your preference for spice. Cajun seasoning can be quite potent, so start with less and add more as needed.
- Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking. You could also use thigh meat if you prefer a juicier alternative.
- Pasta: Penne works well as it holds the sauce beautifully, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand.
- Cream: Heavy cream gives a luxurious texture to the sauce, but for a lighter version, half-and-half can be substituted.
- Cheese: Parmesan adds a nice depth of flavor; however, Asiago or Romano could also be great alternatives for a different taste.
how to make Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Follow these detailed steps to create a mouth-watering Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta that everyone will rave about:
- Prepare the Pasta: Start by cooking the penne pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook once it’s mixed with the hot sauce, so it’s crucial not to overcook it initially.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken strips liberally with Cajun seasoning to ensure each piece is flavorful. Heat the olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. This not only adds texture but also seals in the flavors. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, use the butter to sauté the bell peppers until they’re just softened. Adding the garlic towards the end preserves its aromatic properties, preventing it from burning and becoming bitter.
- Create the Sauce: Lower the heat and blend in the heavy cream and chicken broth, taking care to scrape up any browned bits from the pan as these add a lot of flavors. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, which will enrich its texture.
- Combine Everything: Stir in the grated Parmesan until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper. Add back the cooked chicken and the drained pasta, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Final Touches: Serve the pasta garnished with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. This not only adds color but also a fresh flavor contrast to the creamy pasta.
Storage Options
Store any leftovers of the Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta can be reheated on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen up the sauce if needed. It’s best enjoyed when fresh, but the flavors often meld and deepen when left to sit overnight.
Variations and Substitutions
Introduction: Our Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous variations and substitutions to suit your taste and dietary needs:
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or sausage for a different flavor profile. Vegetarian? Omit the meat and boost the dish with mushrooms and spinach.
- Pasta Alternatives: Gluten-free pasta can be used in place of regular pasta for those with dietary restrictions.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan cheese as substitutes if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Spice Adjustments: For those who prefer a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning and compensate with herbs like thyme and oregano for added flavor without the heat.
Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes)
Ingredients
- 225 grams of Penne Pasta
- 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into strips
- 2 to 3 teaspoons of Cajun Seasoning adjusted according to taste
- 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon of Unsalted Butter
- 1 Red Bell Pepper thinly sliced
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper thinly sliced
- 3 cloves of Garlic finely minced
- 240 milliliters of Heavy Cream
- 120 milliliters of Chicken Broth
- 120 milliliters of Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Commence by boiling the penne pasta in a sizable pot filled with salted water, following the package instructions until the pasta reaches an al dente texture. Upon completion, drain and set aside the pasta.
- Chicken Preparation: Liberally season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning to ensure thorough flavoring. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Introduce the chicken to the skillet and sauté for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Vegetable Sauté: Utilize the same skillet to melt the butter. Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are softened. Incorporate the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute, until the garlic emits a fragrant aroma.
- Sauce Preparation: Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, ensuring to scrape any browned bits from the pan as these contribute significant flavor. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combining Ingredients: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper according to taste. Add the previously cooked chicken and the drained pasta back into the skillet, tossing to ensure that everything is uniformly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Final Presentation: Serve the pasta garnished with freshly chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. This garnish not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh flavor contrast to the creamy dish.
