Description
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta skillet is the perfect balance of bold spices and rich, comforting flavors. Juicy, seasoned chicken is paired with tender pasta and coated in a silky, cheesy sauce that comes together in one pan. It’s an ideal choice for a quick dinner, easy recipe, or comforting food idea when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts
250 g penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic
1 small onion
1 cup bell peppers
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
3. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, reserve some pasta water, then drain.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
5. Add bell peppers and cook until slightly tender.
6. Pour in chicken broth and simmer briefly while scraping the pan for flavor.
7. Stir in heavy cream and let it gently simmer.
8. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens.
9. Return chicken and pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated.
10. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce and better flavor.
Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken to get a perfect sear.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the spice level to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: creamy cajun chicken pasta, easy dinner, quick recipe, one pan meal, comfort food