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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a spicy and creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta that is simple, flavorful, and ready in less than 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 568 kcal

Equipment

  • large pan
  • ziploc bag

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne pasta cooked according to package instructions and drained
  • 3 tablespoon salted butter divided

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning divided
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt divided
  • 0.5 teaspoon pepper divided

Vegetables

  • 0.5 yellow onion diced
  • 2 bell peppers sliced (any color, prefer red)

Sauce

  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 0.75 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.33 cup fresh parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • Begin cooking pasta according to package instructions.
  • In a large ziploc bag, toss together 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add chopped chicken, zip closed, and shake until chicken is coated. Set aside.
  • In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 Tablespoons of butter.
  • Transfer chicken to heated pan and cook until chicken is browned and just cooked through (cook in batches if needed). Remove to a plate and set aside.
  • Add remaining Tablespoon of butter to pan and cook until melted.
  • Add peppers and onion and cook, stirring frequently until beginning to soften (about 3-5 minutes).
  • Add heavy cream, smoked paprika, basil, garlic powder, remaining 1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning and ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, cooking until sauce is thickened.
  • Return cooked chicken to the pan. Add parmesan cheese and warm cooked, drained pasta and stir until cheese is melted. Serve warm, topped with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For a variation, feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or add your favorite veggies. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Pasta will not be as creamy when reheated.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 568kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 33gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 174mgSodium: 488mgPotassium: 689mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2608IUVitamin C: 44mgCalcium: 128mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Cajun Pasta, Chicken Pasta, comfort food, Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, pasta recipe, weeknight dinner
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