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Cajun Chicken Pasta 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.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz. bow tie pasta

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 23 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