Heart-Healthy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Indulge in the bold flavors of the South with this Heart-Healthy Cajun Chicken Pasta—a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Featuring tender strips of seasoned chicken breast, vibrant tri-colored bell peppers, and whole grain penne, this recipe balances robust Cajun spices with a rich, creamy sauce made from low-fat cream cheese and low-sodium chicken broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in just 45 minutes and serves up to 4. Packed with fiber, lean protein, and a boost of nutrients, this dish proves that comfort food can be both nutritious and delicious. Garnished with fresh parsley for an added pop of freshness, this easy, one-skillet meal is a celebration of flavor and heart-smart ingredients!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole grain penne pasta
- 2 pieces chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
- 1 large green bell pepper
- 1 medium red onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 ounces low-fat cream cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley
Instructions
Cook the whole grain penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
While the chicken is cooking, dice the red, yellow, and green bell peppers and the red onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the bell peppers, onion, and garlic for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften.
Add the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and sauté for another minute to enhance the flavors.
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the low-fat cream cheese until fully melted and combined, creating a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked chicken and pasta into the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Season with freshly ground black pepper and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your Heart-Healthy Cajun Chicken Pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1946 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 64.7 g | 83% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.1 g | 101% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 247 mg | 82% | |
| Sodium | 5354 mg | 233% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 232.4 g | 85% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.7 g | 110% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.9 g | ||
| Protein | 115.0 g | 230% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 354 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 13.1 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 2966 mg | 63% | |
*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.
