This Chicken Spicy Cajun Pasta is a fun and zesty dish that packs a punch! Tender chicken, colorful veggies, and creamy sauce coated in bold Cajun spices make each bite exciting!
Spicy food lovers, you’re in for a treat! I always enjoy this pasta with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top. It makes the meal extra creamy and oh-so-delicious. You’ll want seconds for sure!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here since they cook quickly and stay tender. You can use thighs for a juicier option or even shrimp for a seafood twist!
Cajun Seasoning: This is the heart of the dish! If you don’t have it on hand, a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano can be a good substitute. Adjust the heat to your taste!
Pasta: Penne is great because the sauce clings to its shape. If you want to try something different, fusilli or rotini also work well.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or coconut milk. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary a bit!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds great flavor, but you can use Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer. Just make sure it’s finely grated for easy melting!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken perfectly makes a big difference! To avoid dry chicken, here’s what to do:
- Season the chicken generously with Cajun seasoning and allow it to rest for a few minutes before cooking.
- Cook over medium-high heat but don’t rush it. Allow about 5-7 minutes per side for the chicken to brown nicely.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking, about 5 minutes. This keeps it juicy when you slice it!
How to Make Chicken Spicy Cajun Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Vegetables and Sauce:
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes to cook, making the total time around 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a flavorful dinner without taking up your whole evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which will take about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, take the chicken breasts and season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. Then, slice it into strips.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, if needed, add a little more olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4 minutes until they become softened and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and the crushed red pepper flakes, stirring for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce:
Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine with Pasta:
After a few minutes, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes). Once the sauce is nicely combined, add the cooked penne pasta back into the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta in the delicious spicy Cajun cream sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the pasta and top each serving with the sliced Cajun chicken. Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, spicy, and creamy Chicken Spicy Cajun Pasta!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for this recipe, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like fusilli or rotini, which will also hold the sauce well.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own by combining equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the cayenne to match your desired heat level!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. You can also add more vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
