Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
A quick and delicious Cajun-inspired pasta dish combining sautéed chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant vegetables, all ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breast Diced
- 8 oz Fettuccine or penne pasta Any pasta shape works
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning To taste
- 1 cup Heavy cream Or a plant-based alternative
- 1 cup Bell peppers Diced
- 1 cup Onions Diced
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Grated
- 1 tbsp Butter For sautéing
- 1 tbsp Olive oil For sautéing
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Begin by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for the sauce if needed.
Sautéing the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Season the diced chicken breast with Cajun seasoning and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Adding Vegetables and Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and sauté minced garlic, diced bell peppers, and onions until they soften, about 4-5 minutes.
Creating the Sauce
- Pour in heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Allow the cream to simmer for a couple of minutes. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Combining Everything
- Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet along with the sautéed chicken. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt.
Serving
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or an additional sprinkle of cheese.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas. Gluten-free pasta works equally well. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for spiciness.