American🍜 Noodles & pasta

Easy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Name: Easy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp salt; 8 oz penne pasta; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 bell pepper; 3¼ cups tomato; 3 garlic; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cups Parmesan cheese; 4 oz cream cheese; ¼ tsp cracked black pepper; ~2 tbsp parsley

⏱ 30 min

This easy Cajun chicken pasta features a creamy, spicy sauce that coats tender chicken and al dente pasta. Cream cheese and Parmesan create a silky, velvety sauce infused with Cajun seasoning for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Adapted from a video by Preppy Kitchen

Watch on YouTube

Ingredients

salt1 tbsp
penne pasta8 oz
boneless, skinless chicken breastscut into bite-sized pieces2
Cajun seasoning1 tbsp for the chicken, plus 2 additional tsp for the sauce1 tbsp
bell peppersliced into thin strips1
tomatodiced3¼ cups
garliccloves, minced or pressed3
olive oil2 tbsp
butter2 tbsp
heavy cream

Steps

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1
Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat.
2
While the water comes to a boil, prepare the vegetables: slice the bell pepper into thin strips, dice the tomatoes to about 3 1/4 cups, and mince or press the garlic (3–4 cloves).
3
Once the water boils, add 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
4
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and toss until evenly coated.
5
Place a pan over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons each of olive oil and butter, and let the butter melt and combine.
6
Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and toss frequently, browning all sides evenly. Break up any clumps with tongs. Once the chicken is browned, add the bell pepper strips.
7
Cook for 3–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bell pepper is softened but still tender-crisp.
8
Add the diced tomatoes and stir frequently for about 1 minute to release their juices.
9
Add the minced or pressed garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant and the tomatoes release their liquid.
10
Reduce to medium-low heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream.
11
Stir in 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 4 ounces of cream cheese cut into cubes, 2 more teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon of cracked black pepper.
12
Stir until the cream cheese melts and breaks into smaller pieces, creating a silky texture. Simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
13
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, allowing it to warm through and absorb the flavors.
14
Serve immediately and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Easy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

Steps

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