Description
This easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a quick and comforting dinner that delivers bold flavor in just half an hour. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce come together to create a restaurant-style meal at home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or when you want a satisfying dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
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12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ cups heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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½ cup yellow onion, thinly sliced
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½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring well. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until it starts to thicken.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese and dried oregano. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth.
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
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Fold in the cherry tomatoes, if using, and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
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Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
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Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the creamiest sauce.
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Adjust the Cajun seasoning to control the spice level.
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Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
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When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes