Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Looking for a tasty dinner that's quick to make? This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is perfect. It's full of bold flavors and a creamy texture. This dish turns simple ingredients into a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan (12-inch recommended)
- Heavy-bottomed pot for boiling pasta
- Sharp chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups (dry and liquid)
- Measuring Spoons
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Kitchen towels or paper towels
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bell pepper optional
- 1 cup fresh spinach optional
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, coating well.
- Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, keeping 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 7 minutes.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add cream cheese, whisking until smooth. Add milk and continue whisking.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, then add the cooked pasta, chicken, and any additional vegetables.
- Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best sauce consistency.
For a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning.
Add bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies.
For a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning.
Add bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies.