Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves
finely chopped
- 3 Tbsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
divided, see note
- 1 red bell pepper
diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper
diced
- 8oz mushrooms
sliced
- 1/2 14oz can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup shredded parmesan
- 1 cup heavy cream
or half and half
- 8oz penne pasta
- chopped parsley to garnish
- red chili flakes to garnish
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta.
- 2
Toss chicken pieces with 1 Tbsp Cajun/Creole seasoning. Melt butter in a skillet over medium high heat, add chicken, and sauté for about 8-10 minutes.
- 3
Move the chicken to the side and add in bell peppers and mushroom. Cook for 5 minutes. Mix everything together and continue cooking till veggies start turning soft.
- 4
Add in garlic and the rest of the Cajun or Creole seasoning. Sauté for a minute.
- 5
Add chicken stock and diced tomatoes, simmer for 10 minutes.
- 6
Add in cream and parmesan, mix well and cook till parmesan melts. Add cooked pasta and mix everything well. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- 7
Garnish with parsley and red chili flakes and serve immediately.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 11 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Looking for a weeknight meal that's bursting with flavor and comforting in every bite? This Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers the vibrant, bold taste of New Orleans right to your dinner table, proving that quick meals don't have to skimp on complexity.
What makes this dish a true winner is the harmonious blend of tender chicken thighs, sweet bell peppers, and earthy mushrooms, all enveloped in a rich, spicy cream sauce. The generous amount of Cajun or Creole seasoning ensures every forkful is a lively party for your taste buds, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Prepare for a wonderfully creamy and savory experience with just the right amount of kick. You'll savor the tender bite-sized pieces of chicken and the vibrant crunch of the bell peppers, all clinging to perfectly cooked penne pasta. The sauce is luxurious without being overly heavy, expertly balancing the spices with the richness of the dairy and the brightness of diced tomatoes. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that feels special yet is surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
This versatile recipe allows for a few simple tweaks to suit your pantry or preference. You can easily adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of Cajun or Creole seasoning you incorporate. For a slightly lighter sauce, feel free to use half and half instead of heavy cream, as the recipe suggests. While red and yellow bell peppers are called for, you can adapt the combination based on what you have on hand, ensuring you still get that delightful crunch and sweetness.
Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this Cajun Chicken Pasta is a satisfying main course for four. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red chili flakes for an inviting presentation and an extra pop of color and subtle heat.