This Chicken Spicy Cajun Pasta is a tasty blend of flavors! With juicy chicken, zesty Cajun spices, and creamy sauce, it’s perfect for spice lovers looking for a quick meal.
You’ll love how the heat from the spices tingles your taste buds while the creamy sauce keeps it smooth. I like to pair it with a side salad for a fun dinner! 🌶️🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is my go-to shape for this dish because it holds sauce well! If you’re looking for a change, try fusilli or farfalle instead. Gluten-free pasta also works great!
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean and quick-cooking nature. Thighs can be used too for a juicier option. You can also substitute with tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Cajun Seasoning: A blend of spices gives the dish its unique flavor. If you don’t have any, combine paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and dried herbs for a homemade mix!
Heavy Cream: While I prefer heavy cream for its richness, you can substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version or to make it dairy-free.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds depth to the sauce. If you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can be great alternatives for a similar flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be challenging but it’s essential for this pasta dish. A few simple steps can lead to perfectly browned, tender chicken.
- First, make sure to toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning to coat it evenly. This adds flavor!
- Heat the skillet on medium-high so that it’s hot enough to sear the chicken. This creates a nice crust.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, only flipping once. This keeps the juices locked in.
- If using a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Following these tips will keep your chicken juicy and delicious in your pasta! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Chicken Spicy Cajun Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Spicy Cajun Pasta recipe takes about 25 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing and cooking the chicken and sauce, and about 15 minutes cooking the pasta and combining everything. It’s a quick and delightful dish that packs a punch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Seasoning the Chicken:
In a bowl, place the sliced chicken strips and sprinkle them with Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if you want an extra kick!). Toss the chicken until it’s well coated in the spices.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion softens. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant.
5. Making the Sauce:
Now it’s time to build your sauce! Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Adding Cheese and Seasoning:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well until it melts and combines with the sauce. Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
7. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Make sure everything is heated through for a few more minutes.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish your Chicken Spicy Cajun Pasta with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, spicy meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is my favorite for holding the sauce, you can substitute with any pasta shape you like, such as fettuccine, farfalle, or even gluten-free varieties. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! In a pinch, you can make your own by mixing paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. This will give you a similar flavor profile. Adjust the spice levels to your taste!
How Can I Store Leftover Pasta?
Store any leftover Chicken Spicy Cajun Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Enjoy the spicy flavors with a meat-free twist!
