Description
Bring the bold, savory heat of the South to your kitchen with this indulgent Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. Featuring tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breast, vibrant bell peppers, and a velvety, parmesan-enriched cream sauce, this dish is the ultimate 30-minute weeknight hero. Designed for busy families, it offers a restaurant-quality experience without the hassle, ensuring a comforting and spicy meal that is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized strips
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (ensure no pork-based fillers)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente; reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
Toss the chicken strips in a bowl with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden brown; remove from the pan.
In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers for 3 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and smoked paprika; simmer for 3 minutes until thickened.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth, then return the chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
Notes
Ensure your Cajun seasoning is certified halal or verify the label for pork-derived additives.
For a lighter version, half-and-half can be substituted for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less velvety.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 145mg