Cajun Pasta Fresca

Elevate your weeknight dinners with Cajun Pasta Fresca, a vibrant one-pan dish that perfectly balances bold Cajun spices with a creamy, citrusy finish. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, studded with sautéed bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and wilted spinach for a burst of freshness. Seasoned cubes of golden chicken breast add hearty protein, while a dash of lemon zest and juice brings a zippy brightness that ties it all together. Ready in under 40 minutes, this easy yet flavorful recipe is perfect for busy nights when you crave restaurant-quality meals at home. Garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, this pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for the ultimate comforting dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Penne pasta
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 pieces Boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 piece Red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 piece Yellow bell pepper (diced)
• 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 0.75 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups Fresh spinach
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
• 1 piece Lemon (for zest and juice)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium, and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced red and yellow bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to create a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt.

Step 6

Season the sauce with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, ensuring it is well-coated with the creamy sauce and vegetables. Mix thoroughly.

Step 8

Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.

Step 9

Serve the Cajun Pasta Fresca hot, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1494.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3026.5

Total Fat 140.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 66.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 470mg	0%
Sodium 5474.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 287.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.0g	0%
Total Sugars 19.1g
Protein 136.0g	0%

Vitamin D 10IU	0%
Calcium 811.4mg	0%
Iron 18.9mg	0%
Potassium 2444.3mg	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: 42.7%

Protein: 18.4%

Carbs: 38.9%