How to Make the Perfect Creamy Cajun Pasta Skillet
Cajun · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
This bold and smoky one-pan pasta dish brings together tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a rich cream sauce loaded with Cajun spices. It is ready in under 30 minutes and delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup.
Why this recipe works
This Creamy Cajun Pasta Skillet recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 620 calories with 38g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 whole red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Toss the sliced chicken breast with Cajun seasoning until fully coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil and sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Saute the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper and minced garlic. Saute over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until the pepper softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine with the vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Add the dry penne pasta directly into the skillet, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook over medium heat for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the seared chicken to the skillet and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly. Serve immediately garnished with extra Cajun seasoning if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- heavy cream → half-and-half for a lighter sauce
- chicken breast → shrimp for a seafood version
- penne pasta → rigatoni or rotini for a different texture
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding too much Cajun seasoning without tasting first, which can make the dish overwhelmingly salty
- Not stirring the pasta while it cooks in the sauce, causing it to stick to the bottom of the skillet
- Cooking on too high heat which causes the cream sauce to break and become greasy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 620 calories, 38g protein, 58g carbs, 26g fat, 4g fiber.
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