Go Back
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 680
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 8 oz dry penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Season chicken strips with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, sear chicken 4 min per side until cooked through, then remove to a plate.
  2. Melt butter in the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper, and cook 5 min until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. Pour in broth, scrape up brown bits, then add cream and remaining 1 tsp Cajun seasoning. Simmer 2-3 min until slightly thickened. Reduce heat, stir in Parmesan until smooth.
  4. Meanwhile cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and add to sauce along with chicken. Toss 1 min over low heat.
  5. Serve in bowls with extra Parmesan and parsley.

Notes

Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining; use a splash to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick. Leftovers keep in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat best on the stovetop with a little cream or broth.