Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine
see notes
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic
minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
half cream half milk
- ¾ cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 10 oz. Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
drained
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
shredded. See notes for other cheese options.
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
shredded
- ½ lb. penne
- 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder
dried basil, oregano, mustard powder
- 1 pinch EACH: red pepper flakes
cayenne pepper
- Fresh Cilantro
Directions
- 1
Prep Work: Combine the half and half, chicken broth, honey, hot sauce, and seasonings in a medium measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Measure remaining ingredients before beginning.
- 2
Place a measuring cup in the colander you’ll use to drain the pasta, this will remind you to save some of the pasta water when that step arrives.
- 3
Cook the Chicken: Cut the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. Pat dry and season each side with Cajun seasoning, then sprinkle with flour and rub it into the surface of each side.
- 4
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Sear on each side for about 4-5 minutes, until a golden crust has developed. Set aside and let it rest for 10 minutes, then cut into strips.
- 5
Begin heating a pot of salted pasta water while you prepare the sauce as outlined below.
- 6
Add the wine to the same skillet that you used to cook the chicken and set the heat to medium. Let it reduce by half, about 3 minutes. Use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom of the pan while it simmers, this will add flavor to the sauce.
- 7
Add the butter and garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine.
- 8
Add the combined half and half mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Add the drained tomatoes and simmer gently, (uncovered), while you cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain once cooked and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- 9
Gradually sprinkle in the cheese over low heat, stirring continuously.
- 10
Add the drained pasta and stir to combine. Add the chicken and let it warm through for 2 minutes.
- 11
If desired, add a little pasta water. (This adds a creamy finish and helps the pasta cling onto the sauce.)
- 12
Sprinkle with roughly chopped cilantro and serve!
Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 47 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that feels special but comes together easily? This Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers a rich, creamy sauce with tender chicken and a delightful kick, perfect for any weeknight family meal.
The magic of this Cajun Chicken Pasta lies in its vibrant, balanced sauce. It starts with tender chicken seasoned with Cajun spice, then builds a foundation of savory chicken broth, half and half, and a nuanced blend of additional Cajun seasoning, balanced with a touch of honey and hot sauce. The combination of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, mozzarella, and cheddar creates a deeply satisfying, cheesy experience that truly elevates this dish.
Prepare for a comforting bowl of penne pasta coated in a luxurious, creamy sauce. Each bite offers tender, seasoned chicken, bursting with the warm spices of Cajun cuisine, complemented by the bright tang of tomatoes and a subtle cheesy pull. While it tastes incredibly indulgent, the flavors are well-balanced, offering a gentle warmth from the hot sauce and chilies rather than overwhelming heat. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal designed to bring comfort and flavor to your table.
Want to adjust the spice level? Simply dial back the hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for less heat, or increase them for more fire. While the recipe calls for mozzarella and cheddar, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or a sharp white cheddar for a slightly different texture and flavor profile. If you don't have dry white wine, a little extra chicken broth can be used in a pinch, though the wine adds a lovely depth to the sauce.
This rich Cajun Chicken Pasta is ideal for a comforting family dinner or when you need a crowd-pleasing dish that feels a little extra special. Serve it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to sop up every last drop of the delicious sauce.