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Creamy Cajun Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook penne in salted boiling water until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Toss chicken with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/4 tsp salt, and black pepper. Sear in hot olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, then sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and cook 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Return chicken to the skillet, add pasta and Parmesan. Toss until coated, adding pasta water as needed for a glossy sauce. Serve topped with parsley.

Notes

Reserve pasta water before draining; it’s the best tool for adjusting the sauce. Cajun seasoning brands differ, so taste the sauce before adding any extra salt. If you swap in a delicate pasta like angel hair, cut the boil time to just under al dente so it holds its shape in the toss.