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Easy 30-Minute Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A close-up of creamy cajun chicken pasta made with penne, rich orange sauce, chicken pieces, and green herbs.
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Make restaurant-style Cajun Chicken Pasta at home quickly. This recipe delivers a rich, creamy sauce and bold Cajun spice in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the same skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the dry penne pasta to the skillet. Stir well, cover, and cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking (about 10-12 minutes).
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the sauce. Heat through for 2 minutes.
  7. Taste the sauce and add more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a shortcut that helps with meal planning, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
  • If you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning used on the chicken and in the sauce.
  • This recipe is easily adaptable; feel free to add shrimp or sautéed mushrooms along with the chicken.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe/