This Chicken Spicy Cajun Pasta is a quick and tasty meal! With tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a kick of spices, it’s sure to please your taste buds.
I love how this dish brings a little heat to my dinner table! Plus, you can make it in under 30 minutes—perfect for those busy nights when you need something delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is a great shape for catching the creamy sauce. If you don’t have penne, other pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle work well too. Gluten-free pasta can be used for a gluten-free dish.
Chicken Breasts: I like using skinless chicken breasts for our pasta. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat or even shrimp for a seafood twist!
Cajun Seasoning: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice tolerance. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne can work in a pinch for a similar flavor profile.
Heavy Cream: To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half or use a non-dairy cream like coconut cream. It won’t be as rich, but it’ll still be delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Get Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to ensure it stays juicy and flavorful. Always start with medium-high heat and make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows the chicken to sear properly.
- Heat the oil until shimmering before adding chicken.
- Season the chicken first for better flavor absorption. Stir occasionally to brown evenly.
- Remove the chicken once it’s no longer pink inside and let it rest briefly; this keeps it tender.
How Can I Make a Creamy Sauce Without It Being Too Thick?
To achieve a creamy yet not overly thick sauce, balance your cream-to-broth ratio. The broth adds flavor and keeps it from becoming too heavy.
- Combine them in the pan after sautéing veggies for a smoother texture.
- Simmer gently until just thickening; avoid boiling aggressively.
- Don’t forget to taste! Adjust seasoning and cheese for the best result.
Happy cooking! Enjoy your spicy Cajun adventure with this pasta dish!
Chicken Spicy Cajun Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Spicy Cajun Pasta takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking the pasta, and about 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and easy meal for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, so keep an eye on it! Once done, drain it and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Sprinkle them with half of the Cajun seasoning, the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Cook the Veggies:
In the same pan, add the sliced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3–4 minutes until they’re softened. This adds a nice flavor to the dish!
4. Add Garlic and Liquids:
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
5. Make the Sauce:
Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, and if you like it spicier, add the cayenne pepper. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Combine Chicken and Pasta:
Return the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir to mix it with the sauce. Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with that creamy Cajun sauce!
7. Finish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish your Chicken Spicy Cajun Pasta with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Then, dig in and enjoy!
This pasta is packed with bold flavors and is sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can use other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can create your own mix using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust the spices to your taste preference!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Just store it separately from the pasta in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce is too thick.