Go Back
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon butter - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced To create a rich and creamy Cajun chicken pasta, these ingredients are key. The chicken provides a hearty base, while the Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick. Fettuccine pasta offers a great texture to soak up the sauce. The sauce components make everything come together. Heavy cream gives the dish its creaminess. Chicken broth adds depth and flavor. Parmesan cheese ties it all together, making the sauce so luscious. Olive oil and butter are essential for sautéing. They help the chicken and veggies cook evenly and add a lovely richness. Diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper bring extra flavor and color. Each bite will be a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Gather these ingredients, and you are on your way to a flavorful dinner delight! - Seasoning the chicken: Start by cutting two chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, add two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Toss the chicken until all pieces are well coated. This adds flavor to each bite. - Cooking the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add eight ounces of fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain it and set aside. Be sure to reserve a little pasta water for later. - Sautéing the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat one tablespoon of olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 7-8 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - Sautéing vegetables: In the same skillet, melt one tablespoon of butter. Add one small diced onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent, which takes about 3 minutes. Next, add three minced garlic cloves and one sliced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften. - Combining sauce ingredients: Pour in one cup of heavy cream and half a cup of chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring it to a gentle simmer. This forms the base of your creamy sauce. - Mixing everything together: Gradually whisk in one cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, stir in small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. Finally, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. How can I modify Cajun seasoning levels? You can adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your taste. Use less for a milder dish. Start with one tablespoon and taste as you go. How can I add heat with peppers? Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Always add a little at a time. You can always add more, but you can't take it out. What are the best practices for cooking pasta? Boil water with salt before adding fettuccine. Stir often to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, then drain but save some water. What tips ensure a creamy sauce? Use low heat when adding heavy cream to avoid curdling. Gradually whisk in the cheese for smoothness. If the sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water to thin it. What are some garnishing ideas? Chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top for flavor. What are good serving suggestions? Serve the pasta in a large bowl or individual plates. Pair it with garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can change up the pasta in this dish. Fettuccine is great, but penne or rotini works too. Each type has a unique texture. You can also swap proteins. Try shrimp or sausage instead of chicken. Both add great flavor. Adding fresh herbs can boost the taste. Thyme and basil pair well with the dish. You can also make it spicier. Use extra Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes for heat. This gives the pasta a new kick. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. There are many brands that taste great. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or almond milk. These swaps keep the dish creamy while catering to dietary needs. To store leftovers, let the creamy Cajun chicken pasta cool down. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. This dish can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. To refresh leftovers, heat the pasta slowly. Stir in some extra cream for smoothness. You can also add fresh parsley for flavor. This dish pairs well with a crisp side salad or garlic bread. Enjoy it just like it was fresh! Yes, you can make creamy Cajun chicken pasta ahead of time. Here are some tips for meal prep: - Cook the chicken and pasta as directed. - Prepare the sauce separately. - Store chicken, pasta, and sauce in airtight containers. - Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. - When ready to eat, reheat each part on low heat. - Combine them just before serving for the best taste. If you want a lighter sauce, here are some alternatives for heavy cream: - Use half-and-half for a creamier texture. - Opt for whole milk mixed with a bit of flour. - Try coconut cream for a dairy-free option. - Use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. - Blend silken tofu for a vegan choice. To achieve a smooth consistency, follow these techniques: - Heat the sauce gently; avoid boiling. - Gradually add cheese, whisking as you go. - Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels. - If the sauce thickens too much, stir in reserved pasta water. - Keep stirring until you reach a creamy finish. This blog post covered how to make creamy Cajun chicken pasta. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, Cajun seasoning, and fettuccine. We discussed the cooking steps and how to assemble your dish. Tips for adjusting spice levels and making variations were also included. In my final thoughts, this dish is fun and easy to make. You can impress anyone with its flavor and creamy texture. Don’t shy away from trying different ingredients. Enjoy making it your own!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Savor the flavors of the South with this creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe! Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious cream sauce, all mixed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is simple to follow and sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your dinner unforgettable!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 tablespoon butter

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning, making sure they're well coated.

    Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.

      Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

        Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the diced onion, sautéing until translucent (about 3 minutes). Then add the garlic and sliced red bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften.

          Create Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.

            Add Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, stir in small amounts of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

              Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

                Serve: Serve immediately, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4