YumVerseEats
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
A creamy Cajun chicken pasta with seasoned chicken, bell pepper, and penne in a smoky Parmesan cream sauce.
RECIPE AT A GLANCE
20
min
Active Time
35
min
Total Time
4
SERVINGS
Stovetop
METHOD
Why It Works
Cooking the chicken first builds a seasoned base for the sauce. A splash of pasta water helps the sauce coat every noodle.
Quick Fixes
Sauce too thick: loosen with reserved pasta water.
Too spicy: stir in a little extra cream.
Ingredients
Protein
Seasoning
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, for the sauce
Pasta & Grains
Sauce
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz, drained
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan
Vegetables
Topping
How to Make It
1
Cook penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2
Toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and salt.
3
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
4
Melt butter in the skillet and add bell pepper. Cook 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
5
Pour in cream and broth, then stir in the drained tomatoes and the 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Simmer 3 to 4 minutes.
6
Stir in Parmesan until melted. Add the pasta and chicken and toss to coat, loosening with pasta water as needed.
7
Top with parsley and serve.
Store
Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheat
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth, stirring until smooth.
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MORE READER FAVORITES
10
min active
·
25
min total
10
min active
·
15
min total
15
min active
·
30
min total
15
min active
·
35
min total
Avo's Tip
Save a half cup of pasta water before draining — it's the difference between a clingy sauce and a dry one.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you start cooking.
• What pasta shape is best?
Penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but any short pasta works.
• Can I add vegetables?
Spinach, mushrooms, or extra bell pepper all fold in nicely at the sauce stage.
• How spicy is it?
Mild to medium from the Cajun seasoning; add cayenne for more or extra cream to soften it.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
—
—
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
—
—
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
—
—
½ teaspoon kosher salt
—
—
12 oz penne
—
—
2 tablespoons olive oil
—
—
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
—
—
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
—
—
3 cloves garlic, minced
—
—
1 cup heavy cream
—
—
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
—
—
1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz, drained
—
—
¾ cup grated Parmesan
—
—
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, for the sauce
—
—
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1
Cook penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2
Toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and salt.
3
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
4
Melt butter in the skillet and add bell pepper. Cook 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
5
Pour in cream and broth, then stir in the drained tomatoes and the 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Simmer 3 to 4 minutes.
6
Stir in Parmesan until melted. Add the pasta and chicken and toss to coat, loosening with pasta water as needed.
7
Top with parsley and serve.
20
min
active
35
min
total
4
servings
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