Description
If you’re craving a bold, satisfying dish that balances creamy, spicy, and crispy elements, Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas is calling your name. This easy dinner idea combines smoky Cajun-spiced chicken, al dente pasta, fluffy whipped feta infused with roasted garlic, and crunchy chickpeas for texture that won’t quit. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or new food ideas to impress dinner guests, this quick recipe is rich in flavor, protein-packed, and endlessly adaptable — the ultimate in easy dinner ideas and comforting food.
Ingredients
250g spaghetti or linguine
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
1 head garlic
1 teaspoon olive oil (for garlic)
200g feta cheese
3 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tablespoons milk or water
½ teaspoon lemon zest
Black pepper to taste
1 can chickpeas (15 oz)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for chickpeas)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for chickpeas)
Salt to taste (for chickpeas)
Fresh parsley (optional)
Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
1. Marinate chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, smoked paprika, and salt. Let sit for 15–30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the top off a garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–40 minutes.
3. Boil salted water. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
4. In a food processor, blend feta, roasted garlic, Greek yogurt, milk, lemon zest, and pepper until fluffy. Adjust texture as needed.
5. In a skillet, pan-fry dry chickpeas in olive oil for 10–15 minutes until crispy. Season with garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
6. In another skillet, cook marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
7. Toss pasta with a bit of butter or oil. Plate pasta, top with whipped feta, chicken, chickpeas, and garnish with parsley and lemon.
Notes
Use room temperature feta for smooth blending.
Roast garlic low and slow for sweet, mellow flavor.
Store chickpeas separately to keep them crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, Cajun pasta, whipped feta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe