This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a weeknight meal that always gets rave reviews from the whole family. Tender chicken pieces are paired with colorful bell peppers and pasta in a rich, creamy sauce that’s full of rich Cajun flavor. The balance of heavy cream, chicken broth, and Cajun flavoring gives each bite a little kick, but not overpowering. This delicious pasta dish delivers comforting, satisfying comfort every time.
Both linguine and penne pasta pair well with creamy Cajun sauce. Be sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy.
It depends on your Cajun spice blend. For a little extra kick, add cayenne pepper. For lighter dishes, use less Cajun seasoning or use a salted version.
Yes. You can use a mixture of chicken broth and a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken it, but the texture won’t be as rich as heavy cream.
Yes, olive oil works well to prevent smoking if cooked over medium heat.
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Ingredient description
- Skinless chicken breast: The lean, juicy chicken soaks up all the Cajun spices and creamy sauce.
- Old Bay or Cajun seasoning: Added signature Cajun flavor with a hint of heat and smoky spice.
- Edible oil: Helps chicken and vegetables brown evenly without sticking.
- Yellow onions: Brings a hint of sweetness and depth to balance the spice levels.
- Red and yellow bell peppers: Adds crunch, color and natural sweetness to creamy Cajun sauce.
- Minced garlic: The aromatic flavor develops from the first sizzle in the large frying pan.
- chicken soup: When the pasta is cooked directly in the pot, it keeps the pasta tender and flavorful.
- Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Adds a rich, slightly smoky flavor that enhances Cajun-style dressing.
- Linguine (or other pasta): Cooks al dente and holds the sauce well.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce and gives each strand of pasta a velvety texture.
- Heavy cream: Creates a rich, creamy sauce that brings all the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley and green onions: Brings freshness and a pop of color right before serving.
Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Place the chopped chicken breast pieces in a large bowl and toss well with the Cajun seasoning until coated.
- In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat cooking oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Add the chicken, making sure to scrape off any excess seasoning, and fry briefly on all sides, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the onion, bell pepper and minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken stock and fire-roasted tomatoes and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add pasta and cook for 9-11 minutes or until pasta reaches your desired texture. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Take a tablespoon of the hot liquid and mix with the cornstarch to make a thick slurry.
Mix the cornstarch slurry back into the pot and cook for 1 minute.
- Turn off the heat and gradually stir in the heavy cream.
- Remove from heat and allow pasta to cool and thicken for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh chopped parsley, optional, and serve hot.
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Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
This is a weeknight dinner that always gets rave reviews from the whole family.
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Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Meals is not a nutritionist or nutritionist and any nutritional information shared is an estimate only. If you need to verify any information, we recommend calculating the ingredients through an online nutrition calculator.
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