Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Bacon
Indulge in the bold flavors of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Bacon, a mouthwatering blend of tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, crispy thick-cut bacon, and perfectly al dente penne pasta, all smothered in a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce. This irresistible dish combines a smoky Cajun kick with the comforting richness of heavy cream, garlic, and chicken broth, creating a restaurant-quality meal you can make in under 40 minutes. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, this hearty pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—this comforting pasta recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 6 slices Thick-cut bacon
- 12 ounces Penne pasta
- 2 cups Heavy cream
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 0.25 teaspoons Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, rub the chicken breasts with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the Cajun seasoning to thoroughly coat both sides.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
In the same skillet, add the bacon slices. Cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes, then transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Discard excess bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any flavorful bits.
Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips and set aside.
Add the cooked penne pasta and crumbled bacon into the skillet, tossing to coat thoroughly in the creamy sauce.
Gently fold in the sliced chicken, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1169 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 81.0 g | 104% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.2 g | 206% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 267 mg | 89% | |
| Sodium | 2144 mg | 93% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.5 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.9 g | ||
| Protein | 66.2 g | 132% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 691 mg | 53% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 519 mg | 11% | |
*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.
