Creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner is the ultimate comfort food, a hug in a bowl if you will. Picture this: tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious, spicy cream sauce that just makes you want to curl up on the couch. That’s exactly why I’m sharing this creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner recipe with you today!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
This isn’t your overly complicated, fussed over pasta dish. This is the kind of meal that comes together quickly on a busy weeknight but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. My friends, get ready for a flavor explosion!
Why You Will Love This creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner Recipe
This creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner is pure comfort food elevated. It hits all the right notes: creamy, spicy, savory, and oh so satisfying. The Cajun seasoning adds a warmth and depth that takes this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s also incredibly easy to make. I’m talking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
I love that this recipe is versatile too. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, add extra veggies, or swap out the chicken for shrimp. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Every time I make this for friends or family, the plates are licked clean! Speaking of crowd pleasers, have you tried my Crack Chicken Tenders Easiest I am certain folks will enjoy those too.
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Ingredients Needed for This creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delectable dish. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is simple and most are pantry staples.
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store bought or homemade)
8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation process
How to Make This creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner Recipe
This creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner is easy to prepare with these step by step instructions!
1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5 7 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2 3 minutes.
7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet and toss to combine.
9. Stir in the fresh parsley.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve This creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner Recipe
This creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner is delicious on its own, but you can easily elevate it with some simple serving suggestions. Consider adding a side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. Toasted garlic bread is another fantastic accompaniment for soaking up that creamy sauce.
For extra flavor and visual appeal, garnish the finished dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dusting of Parmesan cheese, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. For the best experience, remember that homemade sometimes elevates the experience. Have you ever tried a batch of Disneyland Hot Chocolate Reciperich Creamy Bliss. It goes hand in hand with this experience!
How to Store This creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner Recipe
Leftovers of this creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.
While freezing is possible, the texture of the pasta and cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, use an airtight container and consume it within 1 2 months for the best quality. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Tips to Make This creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner Recipe
Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner turns out perfectly every time:
Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook it until it’s just cooked through.
Use high quality Cajun seasoning: The Cajun seasoning is the star of this dish, so choose a brand you love.
Adjust the spice level to your liking: If you prefer a milder flavor, use less Cajun seasoning. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicier blend of Cajun seasoning.
Don’t add parsley until serving: Parsley loses flavor when cooked.
Helpful Notes for This creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner Recipe
Cajun Seasoning: You can find Cajun seasoning at most grocery stores, or you can easily make your own by combining paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Pasta: Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta. Penne, fettuccine, and rotini all work well.
Chicken Broth: Use low sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half and half for the heavy cream, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
Variation of This creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner Recipe
Shrimp: Substitute the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, for a more nutritious meal.
Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
How can I make my creamy cajun chicken pasta even creamier?
For an extra creamy texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end of the cooking process. Stir until melted and fully incorporated for a richer, smoother sauce.
What kind of pasta is best for creamy cajun chicken pasta?
Penne is a classic choice due to its ridges which hold onto the sauce well. However, other options like fettuccine, rotini, or even shells can also work depending on your preference.
Can I make creamy cajun chicken pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce separately ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator and combine them when you’re ready to serve. You may need to add a little milk or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.
What are some good side dishes to serve with creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner?
A simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great choice to balance the richness of the pasta. You could also serve it with some garlic bread or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
How spicy is creamy cajun chicken pasta?
The spiciness of creamy cajun chicken pasta depends primarily on the amount of cajun seasoning used. You can adjust the amount of seasoning to control the level of heat, adding more or less to suite your taste.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy this creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner as much as I do! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and easy to make meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Share your photos and let me know how you liked it. Happy cooking, friend and until the next creamy cajun chicken pasta dinner adventure!
