Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This cozy skillet pasta is rich, gently spicy, and perfect for turning an ordinary night into something special.
Cost: $16
🛒 Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta dry tube-shaped pasta
- 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning store-bought spice blend
- ½ teaspoon salt fine sea salt divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground divided
- 1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size chunks
- 3 tablespoons salted butter divided for sautéing
- ½ yellow onion finely diced
- 2 bell peppers thinly sliced any color
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream full-fat for best texture
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika for subtle smokiness
- ½ teaspoon dried basil crumbled between fingers
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder fine and dry
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated not pre-shredded
📋 Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Combine most of the Cajun seasoning with half the salt and half the pepper in a bowl, add the chicken, and toss until every piece is well coated.
- Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until bubbling gently.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until golden on the outside and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
- Add the remaining butter to the same pan and let it melt completely.
- Stir in the sliced peppers and diced onion and cook until they begin to soften but still hold some shape.
- Pour in the cream, then add the remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, basil, and garlic powder, and bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened and silky.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, add the cooked pasta and Parmesan, and toss until everything is coated and the cheese has melted into the sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy right away while the sauce is at its creamiest.
📝 Notes
Creamy, spicy, and deeply comforting, this is the kind of dinner that disappears straight from the skillet. It’s perfect for busy nights when you still want something that feels a little indulgent and special.
🥗 Nutrition
Serving: 420g | Calories: 640kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 185mg | Sodium: 720mg | Potassium: 820mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2800IU | Vitamin C: 48mg | Calcium: 180mg | Iron: 3mg