Description
This creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender chicken morsels, sautéed bell peppers, and a rich, spicy cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that delivers a delicious Southern twist perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente according to package directions
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- ½ yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside for later use.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent. Next, add the diced red and yellow bell peppers along with the minced garlic. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Continue cooking until the bell peppers soften and the spices are aromatic.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and spices. Cook thoroughly, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet. Add the softened cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has completely melted and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, stirring well to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Cook for a few minutes until the dish is heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch, and serve hot to enjoy the rich and spicy flavors.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper used in the seasoning.
- Using freshly cooked pasta ensures better texture and sauce absorption.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs for a juicier result.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
