Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1 red bell pepper
seeded and diced
- 4 large cloves garlic
minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper**
more or less depending on taste
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast tenders
cut into bite size pieces
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
freshly shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
at room temperature
- ¼ cup chicken broth
Directions
- 1
Boil 6 cups of water in a large pot over high heat and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water (so it doesn’t clump, can also toss a little olive oil on it to prevent clumping) and set aside.
- 2
While the pasta is cooking, add the butter, olive oil and onion to a large pot over medium-high heat and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- 3
Add the red bell pepper, garlic, Cajun seasoning, basil, paprika, ground black pepper, salt and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 3 more minutes or until the bell pepper starts to become soft.
- 4
Add the chicken and stir and cook for another 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- 5
Add the parmesan, heavy cream, cream cheese and chicken broth and stir and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken and the cream cheese has fully melted.
- 6
Add the cooked and drained pasta and stir to coat pasta with sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then serve with freshly chopped parsley on top, if desired.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
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About this Recipe
Craving that irresistible, creamy, and spicy kick of restaurant-style Cajun chicken pasta without leaving your kitchen? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is your answer, delivering an explosion of flavor in a satisfying, cheesy dish that's surprisingly easy to whip up for a weeknight dinner.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by perfectly balancing a rich, velvety sauce with the vibrant warmth of Cajun spices and tender, juicy chicken. The blend of Cajun seasoning, paprika, basil, and a touch of cayenne creates a deep, complex flavor profile that truly sings. Combined with not one, but two types of cheese—sharp Parmesan and mellow cream cheese—you get an unparalleled creamy texture that truly makes this dish feel indulgent and special, all made right in your home kitchen.
What to Expect
Get ready for a truly comforting and flavorful experience. You'll be greeted by al dente penne pasta coated in a luxurious, thick sauce that's both savory and has a delightful warm spice. Each forkful will offer tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken, complemented by the subtle sweetness of diced red bell pepper and onion. The richness of the heavy cream and two cheeses creates a decadent mouthfeel, while the cayenne pepper provides a gentle, building heat that keeps you coming back for more. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and packed with layers of taste that will impress without demanding hours of effort.
Customization & Variations
One of the best things about this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is how easily you can tailor it to your liking. If you love a bolder kick, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper to your desired heat level. For a milder version, you can reduce it or omit it entirely. While the recipe calls for chicken breast tenders, you can easily substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breast or even chicken thighs, cut into similar bite-sized pieces. Feel free to use different colored bell peppers, like yellow or orange, for a visual pop, or add a bit more onion for extra aromatic depth.
Serving & Context
This robust and flavorful pasta makes for a perfect comforting dinner on any night of the week. Serve it hot, garnished with a little extra freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. It stands wonderfully on its own as a complete meal, or you could pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to sop up every last bit of that incredible sauce.