Cajun Chicken Pasta

There’s something about the combination of spices and creaminess that makes Cajun Chicken Pasta a favorite in my household. I remember the first time I made it; the vibrant colors and rich aromas flooded my kitchen, and I could hardly wait to dig in. This dish is like a warm hug, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner with family or a festive gathering with friends. The blend of chicken, linguini, and a hint of Cajun seasoning brings a delightful warmth that lingers long after the last bite. It’s quick, fulfilling, and incredibly satisfying. I love how it brings everyone together around the table, each forkful bursting with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cajun Chicken Pasta

When it comes to Cajun Chicken Pasta, the ingredients you choose play a crucial role in the overall flavor and texture. Each component works harmoniously to create a dish that’s both satisfying and vibrant. From the seasoned chicken to the creamy sauce, these key players come together to make your meal exciting and delicious.

• 2 chicken breasts, halved
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 bell pepper, cut into ¼-inch strips
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 4 ounces finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• 16 ounces linguini pasta
• diced tomato for garnish
• sliced green onions for garnish
• Parmesan cheese for garnish

Putting Together Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creating Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful journey that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas. It’s simple yet rewarding, with each step bringing you closer to a delicious meal. Let’s dive into the process and enjoy every moment of it!

1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. Don’t be shy; rub the seasoning into both sides to ensure every bite is flavorful. The vibrant spices will give the chicken a beautiful color and a mouthwatering aroma.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. You want the oil to shimmer, indicating it’s hot enough for cooking.
3. Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
4. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the linguini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
5. Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium. Add the remaining butter, along with the onions and bell pepper. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. This step adds a lovely sweetness to the dish.
6. Next, stir in the tomato paste. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes fragrant and takes on a deeper color. The paste adds a wonderful richness to the sauce.
7. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
8. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the flavors. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
9. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens beautifully – this should take about 3 to 4 minutes. The sauce should be creamy and rich, coating the back of a spoon.
10. Combine the drained linguini with the sauce, tossing well to coat. If it seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve your desired creaminess. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
11. Slice the cooked chicken and either serve it on top of the pasta or stir it in for a cohesive meal. Garnish with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Recipe Notes about Cajun Chicken Pasta

As you prepare Cajun Chicken Pasta, keep these tips in mind for the best results:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It makes a great quick lunch!
• Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this recipe, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
• Reheating: Gently reheat any leftovers on low in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of cream or broth if needed to enhance creaminess.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning based on your heat preference or add some cayenne for extra kick.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

What to Pair With Cajun Chicken Pasta

When serving Cajun Chicken Pasta, think about delightful pairings that complement its rich and spicy flavor. Here are some options:

• Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
• Wine Pairing: Try a chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, which balances the heat of the dish.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted or grilled seasonal vegetables add color and nutrition to your meal.
• Occasions: This dish is great for casual family dinners or more festive occasions, like gatherings and celebrations.

FAQ

Conclusion

Cajun Chicken Pasta is truly a dish that embodies comfort and flavor. With its creamy sauce and zesty spices, it’s a sure way to impress your family and friends. I encourage you to try making it tonight; you won’t regret indulging in this delightful treat!

Cajun Chicken Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Cajun Chicken Pasta brings together creamy goodness and a kick of spice. This easy weeknight dinner will satisfy your cravings and impress family and friends alike. Make it tonight for a delightful dining experience!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Large Pot
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 2 pieces chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 5 garlic cloves
• ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 4 ounces finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• 16 ounces linguini pasta
• 1 diced tomato
• 1 sliced green onions

Instructions

 

• Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, rubbing the seasoning on both sides.
• Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet.
• Cook chicken (in batches if needed), about 3 to 5 minutes per side until cooked through (until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
• Bring a large, generously salted, pot of water to a boil. Cook linguini pasta according to package directions to al dente while preparing the sauce.
• Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter, onions and bell pepper. Cook until the onions have softened, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in tomato paste until incorporated, cook until fragrant and paste becomes a deep, rusty red color, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add chicken broth, stirring until fully incorporated, and scraping any bits from the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes to reduce slightly.
• Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and sauce begins to thicken, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Toss cooked pasta with sauce, adding pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency, ¼ to ½ cup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Slice cooked chicken and serve with pasta or stir into pasta if desired. Garnish with diced tomato, green onion and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Tip 2: I do not recommend freezing this recipe, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
• Tip 3: Gently reheat any leftovers on low in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Tip 4: Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning based on your heat preference.
• Tip 5: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

Keyword Cajun Pasta Recipe, Creamy Cajun Chicken, Easy Chicken Pasta, weeknight dinner ideas

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Meet Camila Rivera

I’m Camila, and I believe the very best meals are the ones that bring the whole family together. My passion is taking classic, beloved dishes and adding a spicy or zesty twist to wake up your palate. I have cooked, tweaked, and taste-tested this recipe right here in my own home kitchen to ensure it works perfectly for you. I hope you enjoy every single bite let me know how it turns out!