Description
Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta delights taste buds with rich, creamy sauce and bold Creole seasonings. Hearty pasta and tender chicken combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
Sauce and Flavor Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) half and half
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Garnish and Seasoning:
- 1 tomato, diced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour into the butter-garlic mixture, whisking constantly for 30 seconds to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually pour half and half into the skillet, starting with small amounts and whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue adding liquid until sauce becomes creamy and thickened.
- Incorporate parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted. Season with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add drained pasta to the sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Top the pasta with sliced chicken, diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Seasoning Swap Experiment with different Cajun blends or create a homemade mix to control spice levels and customize flavor profiles.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation Use cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
- Protein Alternatives Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based protein for varied dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
- Cream Modification Replace half-and-half with lower-fat options like milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version of the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg