BEST CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA EVER

Are you tired of boring weeknight dinners and craving something with a serious kick? Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce that will leave you wanting more; this Cajun Chicken Pasta is the answer to your culinary prayers, guaranteed to become a family favorite in no time. Get ready to experience restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your own kitchen, I promise you’ll absolutely love it!

The Key Ingredients for Amazing Cajun Chicken Pasta

Let’s gather everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry if you’re missing a few things, I’ll offer some substitutions along the way. Remember, cooking should be fun and adaptable!

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade, recipe follows)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cajun Seasoning (Optional Homemade):

• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water

For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat

Let’s Talk Substitutions and Variations

Sometimes you don’t have all the ingredients, or you want to change things up a bit. No problem! Here are some ideas:

• Chicken: Chicken thighs work great too! They are often more flavorful and stay juicy.
• Pasta: Any pasta shape will do! Rotini, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta are all great options. If you want a different but familiar taste, the Cajun Chicken Rotini Skillet is another winner!
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies like onions, mushrooms, or even spinach.
• Cream: Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream, but the sauce won’t be as thick. You can also use cream cheese to thicken the sauce.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to your liking.
• Cheese: Asiago or Romano cheese can be substituted for Parmesan.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Magic Happen

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps and you’ll have a delicious Cajun Chicken Pasta on the table in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This is liquid gold for your sauce! Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

1. In the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds tons of flavor!).
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Stir in the chopped parsley.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Cajun Chicken Pasta immediately.
2. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
3. Enjoy every single bite!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cajun Chicken Pasta

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your dish is a culinary triumph:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• Adjust the Spice: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat.
• Reserve Pasta Water: This is a MUST! The starchy water helps to thicken the sauce and create a creamy, emulsified texture.
• Don’t Boil the Cream: Boiling heavy cream can cause it to separate. Simmering gently is the key.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor. Don’t skip it!
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the pasta and combine everything.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

Want to make it a complete meal? Here are some serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread with pasta?
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are all great choices.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with Cajun flavors.

More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Explore

If you love pasta as much as I do, here are some other recipes you might enjoy. Maybe the Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta could be your next culinary adventure! Or perhaps the Marry Me Chicken Pasta will capture your heart. Don’t forget to check out the Cajun Honey Garlic Sausage & Rice, a perfect alternative! And if you’re in the mood for something smoky, the Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta is calling your name!

Final Thoughts: Your Cajun Chicken Pasta Awaits!

So there you have it – a foolproof recipe for the BEST Cajun Chicken Pasta ever! I hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as I do. Remember to have fun in the kitchen, experiment with flavors, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. Happy cooking, my friend!

Best Cajun Chicken Pasta Ever

This Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe delivers tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home, sure to become a family favorite.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 lb pasta fettuccine or penne
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

• Large bowl
• large skillet
• large pot
• colander
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• knife
• cutting board
• wooden spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
4. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
5. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
6. In the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, melt the butter over medium heat.
7. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
8. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
9. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
10. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
11. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
12. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
13. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
14. Stir in the chopped parsley.
15. Serve immediately.
16. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. Reserve pasta water to help thicken the sauce and create a creamy texture. To make ahead, prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta when ready to serve.