How to Make the Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta comes together in just 15 minutes for a bold and satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender chicken tossed in spicy Cajun seasoning and a rich cream sauce makes this quick recipe a household favorite.
Why this recipe works
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 300 g penne pasta
- 400 g chicken breast strips
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Boil penne in salted water according to package directions until al dente then drain and reserve half a cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat and cook chicken strips tossed in Cajun seasoning for 4 to 5 minutes until cooked through.
Step 3: Make Sauce
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds then pour in heavy cream and stir to combine letting it simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together adding reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed then serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- heavy cream → full fat coconut milk for a dairy free option
- chicken breast → shrimp for an equally quick protein
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using too much Cajun seasoning making the dish overly salty
- Overcooking the chicken strips causing them to become dry and tough
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 34g protein, 52g carbs, 18g fat, 3g fiber.
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