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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A serving of vibrant orange Creamy Cajun Pasta with Chicken and Spice, topped with dried herbs, on a white square plate.
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Make a rich, spicy, restaurant-style Cajun chicken pasta at home using a simple homemade spice blend for balanced flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Stir in the remaining spices: 1 teaspoon paprika, oregano, thyme, remaining salt and pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 30 seconds. This is your Cajun seasoning base.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
  8. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  9. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt or cayenne pepper as needed.
  10. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated.
  11. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but simmer longer to reduce and thicken.
  • If you want to add smoked sausage or shrimp, cook them in the skillet before the chicken and set them aside, adding them back in with the cooked chicken at the end.
  • Use fettuccine or linguine if you prefer a long pasta shape, as they also hold this rich sauce well.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerykings.com/creamy-cajun-pasta-with-chicken-and-spice/