Description
This creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken breast, colorful bell peppers, and a spicy Cajun cream sauce tossed with penne pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta: holds the creamy sauce well
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1” pieces: lean protein base
- 4 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided: adds spice and bold flavor
- ½ tsp salt, divided: enhances all flavors
- ½ tsp black pepper, divided: mild heat and balance
- 3 tbsp salted butter, divided: for sautéing and richness
- ½ yellow onion, diced: adds aromatic base
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (any color): adds color and sweet crunch
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: creamy sauce base
- ¾ tsp smoked paprika: smoky depth
- ½ tsp dried basil: herby sweetness
- ¼ tsp garlic powder: savory boost
- ⅓ cup fresh parmesan cheese: umami and helps thicken the sauce
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): for garnish
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large zip-top bag, combine 3 tsp Cajun seasoning, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Add chicken pieces and shake to coat evenly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add chicken and cook until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining 1 tbsp butter to the skillet. Sauté onions and bell peppers until softened (3–5 minutes).
- Stir in heavy cream, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried basil, remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add parmesan cheese and cooked pasta. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Grate your own cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creaminess.
- Try adding spinach or canned tomatoes for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 568 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 488 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 174 mg
Keywords: Cajun Chicken Pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, quick weeknight meal, cajun recipe