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Close-up of a skillet filled with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Pasta, featuring penne pasta, sliced chicken, and red peppers.

Creamy Cajun Chicken and Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold and comforting dinner made with juicy seasoned chicken, tender pasta, and a rich creamy sauce with just the right amount of heat. This easy skillet meal comes together quickly and tastes even better than restaurant pasta.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 590
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
For the Chicken and Sauce
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 small onion sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.25 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Plate

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season the sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet add the bell pepper and onion. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
  5. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth.
  7. Simmer the sauce for 4 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  8. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  9. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce.
  10. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm. Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the pasta sit in the sauce for a minute before serving so it fully absorbs the creamy Cajun seasoning.