Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible, this Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavor-packed dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion. Succulent chicken breasts are coated in bold Cajun seasoning, then pan-seared to golden perfection before being tossed with tender penne pasta and a rich, velvety sauce made from heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a kick of garlic. Vibrant red and green bell peppers add a pop of color and crunch, while a hint of fresh parsley ties it all together. Ready in just under an hour, this one-pot wonder combines the warmth of Cajun spices with the comfort of creamy pasta, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser. Serve it up for a cozy family meal or a dinner party that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1 large green bell pepper
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Slice each chicken breast into thin strips. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and Cajun seasoning until well coated. Set aside.

Step 2

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Meanwhile, in a large frying pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4

Using the same pan, add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 6

Reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to bubble slightly.

Step 7

Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8

Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together in the sauce until well combined.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1596.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3421.4

Total Fat 175.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 85.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g
Cholesterol 601.1mg	0%
Sodium 7102.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 295.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.4g	0%
Total Sugars 17.2g
Protein 149.7g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 1031.6mg	0%
Iron 16.2mg	0%
Potassium 2458.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.0%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 35.2%