Chicken Spicy Cajun Pasta is a fun and zesty dish that packs a punch! With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and just the right amount of Cajun spice, it’s sure to please.
This pasta makes weeknight dinners exciting! I love how the colors pop with bell peppers and the creamy sauce, and the spicy kick keeps me coming back for more. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This dish typically uses penne, but you can swap it for any pasta shape you like! Fusilli or farfalle work well too. Whole wheat or gluten-free options are great if you’re looking to make it healthier.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but thighs are juicier and add more flavor. Feel free to use shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Cajun Seasoning: Store-bought works fine, but homemade is flavorful! Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne. This allows you to control the spiciness and customize to your taste.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like almond milk blended with a little cornstarch to thicken. It might not be as rich, but still delicious!
How Do I Cook Chicken to Perfection?
Cooking chicken just right is key to keeping it juicy and flavorful. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your chicken slices are about the same thickness for even cooking. Thin slices work best!
- Use medium-high heat and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook in batches to avoid steaming.
Remember, it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Resting your chicken for a couple of minutes helps keep the juices inside.
How Can I Make My Sauce Creamy and Smooth?
A silky sauce enhances your pasta dish! Here’s how to achieve that:
- After adding broth to the skillet, scraping up browned bits adds flavor. Let it reduce a bit.
- When you add heavy cream, keep the heat at medium-low to prevent scorching.
- Stir until the cheese melts completely, which also helps to thicken the sauce.
Always taste before serving to check if you want to add more seasoning or cheese to your liking!
Chicken Spicy Cajun Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
For Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to desired spice level)
For the Sauce & Veggies:
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red chili flakes (optional, for extra spice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and prepping ingredients, and about 20 minutes cooking the chicken and making the creamy sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with all those delicious spices!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on the side.
4. Sauté the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and sauté for around 3 minutes until they are soft and translucent. This will add a wonderful flavor base!
5. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
6. Create the Sauce:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add additional flavor to your sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes to reduce by half.
7. Make it Creamy:
Now it’s time to lower the heat to medium-low. Add in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. This creamy goodness is the highlight of your dish!
8. Combine Chicken and Pasta:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it thoroughly with the sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is well covered in that creamy Cajun sauce.
9. Final Touches:
Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, or even more Cajun seasoning and optional red chili flakes for that extra kick!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy your spicy and flavorful Chicken Spicy Cajun Pasta!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Regular Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitute and adds an extra nutty flavor along with a boost of fiber. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the best texture.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own by mixing together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the spices based on your taste preferences!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Chicken Spicy Cajun Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Just sauté them with the onions to ensure they cook through and blend well with the sauce!
