Description
A bold and flavorful Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, spicy Cajun-seasoned cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
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2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 bell pepper (sliced, any color)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
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1 ½ cups heavy cream
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1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
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½ teaspoon paprika
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¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
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12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 cup chicken broth
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Salt and black pepper (to taste)
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Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
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Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Melt butter in the skillet, add bell peppers and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for another minute.
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Make the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, let simmer for a minute, then add heavy cream, Parmesan, paprika, and cayenne. Stir until smooth and thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
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Combine Everything: Return chicken to the skillet, add drained pasta, and toss until well coated. Let heat through for a minute.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
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Protein Swap: Try shrimp instead of chicken.
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Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
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Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, american
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, spicy pasta recipe, easy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner idea