High Protein Cajun Chicken Pasta

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this High Protein Cajun Chicken Pasta, a flavorful twist on the classic Cajun chicken pasta recipe. Packed with tender, seasoned chicken breast, whole wheat penne, and a creamy Cajun-infused sauce, this dish combines bold Southern flavors with a health-conscious twist. Vibrant red and green bell peppers, sweet yellow onion, and a touch of garlic provide a burst of freshness, while low-fat cream cheese and Parmesan create a luscious, guilt-free sauce. Perfectly balanced with lean protein and whole grains, this 40-minute recipe is a satisfying, high-protein meal that's as nutritious as it is delicious. Top it off with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve it piping hot for a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breast
• 8 ounces Whole wheat penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 1 medium-sized Red bell pepper
• 1 medium-sized Green bell pepper
• 1 medium-sized Yellow onion
• 3 units Garlic cloves
• 4 ounces Low-fat cream cheese
• 1 cup Chicken stock
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season them with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Dice the red and green bell peppers and the onion, then mince the garlic cloves.

Step 5

Sauté the bell peppers and onion in the skillet for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.

Step 6

Add the remaining Cajun seasoning, cream cheese, and chicken stock to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 7

Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes.

Step 8

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

Step 9

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

Step 10

Serve the Cajun chicken pasta hot and enjoy your high-protein meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1656.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2466.0

Total Fat 85.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 450.5mg	0%
Sodium 6398.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 208.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.3g	0%
Total Sugars 26.4g
Protein 195.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 852.8mg	0%
Iron 15.0mg	0%
Potassium 3038.2mg	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: 32.3%

Protein: 32.8%

Carbs: 35.0%