Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This cozy skillet pasta is rich, gently spicy, and perfect for turning an ordinary night into something special.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 640kcal
Cost: $16
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta dry tube-shaped pasta
- 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning store-bought spice blend
- ½ teaspoon salt fine sea salt divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground divided
- 1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size chunks
- 3 tablespoons salted butter divided for sautéing
- ½ yellow onion finely diced
- 2 bell peppers thinly sliced any color
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream full-fat for best texture
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika for subtle smokiness
- ½ teaspoon dried basil crumbled between fingers
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder fine and dry
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated not pre-shredded
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Combine most of the Cajun seasoning with half the salt and half the pepper in a bowl, add the chicken, and toss until every piece is well coated.
- Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until bubbling gently.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until golden on the outside and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
- Add the remaining butter to the same pan and let it melt completely.
- Stir in the sliced peppers and diced onion and cook until they begin to soften but still hold some shape.
- Pour in the cream, then add the remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, basil, and garlic powder, and bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened and silky.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, add the cooked pasta and Parmesan, and toss until everything is coated and the cheese has melted into the sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy right away while the sauce is at its creamiest.
Notes
Creamy, spicy, and deeply comforting, this is the kind of dinner that disappears straight from the skillet. It’s perfect for busy nights when you still want something that feels a little indulgent and special.
Nutrition
Serving: 420g | Calories: 640kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 185mg | Sodium: 720mg | Potassium: 820mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2800IU | Vitamin C: 48mg | Calcium: 180mg | Iron: 3mg