Creamy Cajun Chicken with Pasta
Indulge in the bold and flavorful fusion of spice and creaminess with this irresistible Creamy Cajun Chicken with Pasta recipe! Succulent chicken strips coated in zesty Cajun seasoning are seared to perfection and paired with tender penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a medley of aromatic spices like paprika, garlic, and onion powder. The dish comes together in under 35 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that's as quick as it is satisfying. Finished with a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh pop of color, this one-pan comfort meal is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're craving a cozy meal or hosting friends, this creamy, spicy pasta dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups Heavy cream
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 12 ounces Penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1 gallon Water (for boiling pasta)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Season them on both sides with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat thoroughly with the sauce.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
815 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.5 g | 72% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.6 g | 138% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 200 mg | 67% | |
| Sodium | 832 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.1 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.3 g | ||
| Protein | 40.2 g | 80% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 258 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 335 mg | 7% | |
*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.
