Pretty Quick Cajun Chicken and Pasta

Bring the bold, zesty flavors of Louisiana to your kitchen with this "Pretty Quick Cajun Chicken and Pasta" recipe—perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste! Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then paired with tender penne pasta cooked in a creamy, Parmesan-infused sauce. A pop of brightness from sautéed cherry tomatoes balances the rich, luscious flavors, while the dish comes together effortlessly in just 30 minutes from start to finish. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality comfort food at home. Simple, satisfying, and full of Cajun-inspired warmth, it’s bound to be your new go-to meal! Keywords: Cajun chicken, creamy pasta, quick dinner, one-pan recipe, weeknight meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and cook the chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Step 3

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 5

Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Lower the heat slightly and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Add uncooked penne pasta to the skillet, gently stirring to coat it in the sauce. Cover the skillet and let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too quickly.

Step 8

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet, stirring to combine with the pasta. Add salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1524.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3315.6

Total Fat 161.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 77.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 641.6mg	0%
Sodium 6904.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 267.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.5g	0%
Total Sugars 19.9g
Protein 172.8g	0%

Vitamin D 8.0IU	0%
Calcium 632.5mg	0%
Iron 10.1mg	0%
Potassium 2504.2mg	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: 45.1%

Protein: 21.5%

Carbs: 33.3%