Description
How to make easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta with tender chicken and rich sauce that’s ready in just 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- Protein & Pasta:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne
- Creamy Sauce Base:
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Aromatics & Flavor Boosters:
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Seasonings & Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (low-sodium if preferred)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Season chicken pieces with some Cajun seasoning, dice your onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Get a large pot of water boiling for your pasta. This initial prep makes crafting this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes) smooth and quick.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside, leaving any flavorful drippings in the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add butter to the same skillet. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and the remaining Cajun seasoning for 1 minute until fragrant. This builds the rich base for your Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes).
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce slightly thickens and emulsifies, about 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Combine Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add your drained fettuccine or penne. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly with the rich, creamy Cajun sauce. Ensure every piece is wonderfully sauced for this delightful Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve your warm, comforting Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes) immediately. Enjoy this satisfying and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any busy weeknight!
Notes
Keep sauce at a gentle simmer; high heat can cause cream to curdle and separate, affecting texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; add milk or broth when reheating.
Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute for breasts, offering a richer flavor and juicier texture.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan, alongside a crisp green salad or crusty bread.
Cook chicken and sauce up to two days ahead; store separately and combine with fresh pasta before serving.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten