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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

This flavorful creamy Cajun chicken pasta combines spicy seasoning with a rich sauce for a comforting weeknight meal that's easy to prepare.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz Penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoon Butter
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 cup Diced white onion
  • 1 Red bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • 4 oz Cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup Chicken broth

Instructions
 

  • Boil 6 cups of water in a large pot over high heat. Cook the penne pasta following the package directions until it reaches al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse it with cold water, and set it aside.
  • In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the butter, olive oil, and diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
  • Stir in the diced red bell pepper, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, dried basil, paprika, ground black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 3 minutes.
  • Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
  • Mix in the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Add the cooked and drained penne pasta, stirring well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve hot, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

  • Taste the sauce as you go for perfect seasoning.
  • Reserve pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
Keyword Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
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