Print

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Bold Flavor

A fork lifting fettuccine noodles coated in orange sauce from a bowl of Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with chicken chunks and green peppers.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make a rich, spicy, and restaurant-quality creamy Cajun chicken pasta using a homemade seasoning blend for deep flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning Blend (see Notes)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the olive oil to the same skillet. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of Cajun Seasoning Blend to the vegetables. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Do not boil rapidly.
  7. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  8. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
  9. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or seasoning blend if needed for bolder flavor. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For the bold Cajun Seasoning Blend: Combine 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix well.
  • To achieve a thick sauce, simmer the cream gently; do not rush the reduction process.
  • You can substitute smoked sausage or Andouille sausage for half of the chicken for added depth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorzine.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-with-bold-flavor/