Cajun Pasta
Indulge in the bold, zesty flavors of Cajun Pasta—a creamy, flavor-packed dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a rich, creamy sauce infused with Cajun seasoning, garlic, and sautéed bell peppers, creating the perfect balance of spice and comfort. Juicy, golden-browned chicken strips take this pasta to the next level, while Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious, velvety texture. With a harmonious blend of hearty ingredients and vibrant spices, this one-pan recipe comes together in just 40 minutes and serves four. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Whether you're craving a taste of Louisiana or looking for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal, this Cajun Pasta has you covered!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 pieces chicken breast
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pieces bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), thinly sliced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and evenly coat them with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat another 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for about 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and stir to combine. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth, then lower the heat to avoid boiling.
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated with the sauce.
Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful Cajun Pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3681 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 210.4 g | 270% | |
| Saturated Fat | 107.2 g | 536% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 712 mg | 237% | |
| Sodium | 8123 mg | 353% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 274.6 g | 100% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.1 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.8 g | ||
| Protein | 148.4 g | 297% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 975 mg | 75% | |
| Iron | 15.6 mg | 87% | |
| Potassium | 2136 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
