Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a spicy Cajun kick. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food with a twist.

Ingredients

• 8 oz. bow tie pasta
• 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
• 2-3 chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 3 tsp. Cajun seasoning, more or less to taste
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into slices
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into slices

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken chunks, red and yellow bell pepper slices, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
4. Step 4: Pour in the milk and add the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and formed a creamy sauce.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and grated parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients and heat through.
6. Step 6: Serve the Cajun Chicken Pasta immediately, ideally with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños along with the Cajun seasoning.
• Swap bow tie pasta for penne or fettuccine to change the texture and presentation.
• Use half and half or heavy cream instead of milk for a richer sauce.
• Vegetarians can replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu and omit Cajun seasoning to taste.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Cajun Chicken Pasta in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately if possible to keep the pasta from becoming soggy. Combine and reheat just before serving.

What can I serve with Cajun Chicken Pasta?

This dish pairs well with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 125 reviews

This Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender chicken breasts seasoned with spicy Cajun seasoning, sautéed bell peppers, and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce served over bow tie pasta. It’s a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with family and friends.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz. bow tie pasta

Chicken and Vegetables

• 2–3 chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into slices
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into slices

Sauce and Seasoning

• 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
• 3 tsp. Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and set it aside.
2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, ensuring the garlic flavor infuses the butter.
3. Cook Chicken and Peppers: Add the cubed chicken breasts, sliced red and yellow bell peppers to the skillet. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink inside and the peppers are slightly tender.
4. Make Creamy Sauce: Pour in the milk and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce turns creamy and smooth, coating the chicken and peppers well.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the skillet along with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
6. Serve: Serve the Cajun chicken pasta immediately, pairing it with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a delightful meal. Enjoy!

Notes

• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
• For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with 2% milk or a dairy-free alternative.
• Rinsing pasta after cooking is optional but helps cool it and prevent sticking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Cajun Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Cajun seasoning recipe, quick chicken pasta, easy dinner recipes