Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely. Using cooked chicken makes this a quick cajun chicken perfect for busy nights.

How do I make cajun chicken creamier?

Add a bit more cream or cheese to achieve a richer and smoother sauce.

Can I make cajun chickenless spicy?

Yes, you can reduce the cayenne pepper or use a mild Cajun seasoning. This keeps the flavor without too much heat.

What pasta works best for chicken?

Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works best because it holds the creamy sauce well.

cajun chicken pasta

Description

This Cajun Chicken Pasta is rich, creamy, and packed with bold Cajun flavor. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce come together in one pot for an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
8 ounces penne pasta (or any short pasta)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: 1 bell pepper, sliced
Optional: 2 cups fresh spinach

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
Add the cubed chicken and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the uncooked penne pasta.
Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and heavy cream.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Let the pasta rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Sear the chicken first for maximum flavor. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to control the heat level. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating leftovers to keep the sauce creamy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 620
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 145mg