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This creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe is made with seared chicken breast and a light but creamy Cajun sauce with huge flavor. Done in a half hour or less. This is a super easy weeknight pasta dinner.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Quick and easy meal alert, my friends! We're serving up a creamy chicken pasta dish with a Cajun-seasoned cream sauce that is immensely satisfying but falls on the lighter side.
We're calling it Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, and it is super satisfying! I think you are going to love this one.
I mean, it's pasta so I won't claim that it is uber low-calorie, but there are ways to make your pasta nice and CREAMY without resorting to lots of butter and heavy cream, which are quite delicious, YES!
There is a very simple secret combination of ingredients at work here. A great AND flavorful way to achieve a creamy tomato-based pasta sauce is this: Cream Cheese and a bit of Crema or Sour Cream.
This simple ingredient duo works magic into your regular old tomato-based pasta sauce.
Don't get me wrong. I greatly enjoy tomato sauces, especially with pasta, and there are some great ones out there!
But who doesn't crave a wonderfully creamy sauce that is spicy and tasty is also super easy to make?
I know I do!
If you're looking for a simple, quick and easy pasta recipe for dinner, this might be your new go-to recipe. Get ready for big flavor!
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Ingredients
- Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chicken: 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- Vegetables and Peppers: 1 large onion, 1 medium green bell pepper, 2 jalapeno peppers, 1 stalk celery, and 4 cloves garlic
- Tomato Paste: 6 ounces tomato paste
- Stock: 1 cup chicken stock, more as needed
- Seasonings: 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, salt, ground black pepper to taste
- Creaminess: 3 ounces light cream cheese, 2 tablespoons light sour cream or crema
- Pasta: 8 to 10 ounces cooked pasta noodles
- Garnish: Sliced lemon, chili flakes, chopped parsley, optional grated parmesan cheese
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Cook the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Heat a large pan to medium high heat and add olive oil. Add chicken, onion, peppers, and celery. Cook about 7 to 8 minutes until vegetables are softened and chicken is mostly cooked through.
- Add Garlic:
- Add garlic and stir. Cook about a minute.
- Sauce and Seasoning:
- Add tomato paste, chicken broth, Cajun spices, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate. Reduce heat to low and simmer about 15 minutes.
- Add Creaminess:
- Swirl in cream cheese and sour cream. Stir to incorporate. This will thicken the sauce.
- Add the Noodles:
- Add cooked pasta and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve into bowls and top with lemon, chili flakes, and parsley.
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Final Thoughts
Boom! Done! Ready to serve! Great stuff, isn't it? And doesn't it look delicious? Super easy to make for sure. Such a great recipe.
This can be your new easy weeknight dinner that everyone will be asking for. Maybe begging!
I love this recipe.
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Serve this along with garlic bread or buttered rolls to sop up the remaining spicy, creamy sauce. For extra heat, add more Cajun seasoning before simmering. This meal takes about 30 minutes start to finish. Try the shrimp and sausage variation for a twist.
Storage & Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy Cajun chicken pasta in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for 1 month or longer, though texture may change.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes the sauce creamy without heavy cream?
The combination of light cream cheese and sour cream gives the sauce a rich, creamy texture without needing heavy cream.
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta will work—cavatappi, fettuccine, or even penne are great options to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- → Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely. Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add extra chili flakes or hot sauce to bring more heat.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with something else?
Yes, shrimp or sausage are excellent alternatives that pair well with the Cajun flavor profile.
- → How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for about a month, though texture may change slightly.
- → Do I have to use fresh vegetables?
Fresh is best for flavor and texture, but frozen peppers and onions can be used in a pinch for convenience.