Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Printer-Friendly Version)
Creamy Cajun-sauced chicken and penne combine for a rich, spicy dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
# Required Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
300 g penne pasta
→ Chicken
02 -
450 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Vegetables
03 -
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
04 -
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Seasonings
06 -
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
07 -
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
08 -
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
09 -
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Sauce
10 -
120 ml chicken broth
11 -
180 ml heavy cream
12 -
85 g full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature, cubed
13 -
60 g freshly shredded parmesan cheese
→ Garnish (optional)
14 -
Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
02 -
Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
03 -
Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt over the vegetables. Add chicken pieces to the skillet. Sauté for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
04 -
Reduce heat to low. Pour in chicken broth and allow it to simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and parmesan. Mix continuously until cheese melts and sauce becomes silky and thick, about 3–4 minutes.
05 -
Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. Cook together for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
# Handy Cooking Tips:
01 -
Let cream cheese come to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
02 -
To make preparation faster, chop all vegetables and pre-measure ingredients before starting to cook.
03 -
For a milder flavor, reduce Cajun seasoning and replace with garlic salt. For a spicier pasta, add more cayenne in 1/4 teaspoon increments.
04 -
To substitute protein, use peeled raw shrimp (add in step 4 and cook until pink, 4–5 minutes) or cooked sausage, sliced and added with chicken.
05 -
Use gluten-free pasta if a gluten-free option is needed.