Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food packed with bold Cajun flavor, juicy seasoned chicken, tender pasta, and a rich creamy cheese sauce. This easy dinner recipe comes together in one skillet, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, quick comfort meals, and satisfying food ideas when you want something hearty and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The smoky Cajun seasoning blends beautifully with parmesan cheese, cream, garlic, and pasta to create a creamy pasta recipe that tastes restaurant-quality while staying simple enough for everyday cooking. Whether you need dinner ideas for the family, an easy recipe for meal prep, or a comforting skillet meal, this creamy Cajun chicken pasta delivers rich flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

12 ounces penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 small onion diced

1 red bell pepper diced

4 cloves garlic minced

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup parmesan cheese grated

1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded

2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

2. Pat the chicken dry and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

5. In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened and lightly caramelized.

6. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

7. Pour chicken broth into the skillet and scrape the bottom of the pan to release the flavorful browned bits.

8. Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously.

9. Add parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.

10. Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss until evenly coated.

11. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything together.

12. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

13. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the smoothest and creamiest sauce texture.

Do not overcook the pasta because it continues absorbing sauce while resting in the skillet.

Adjust the Cajun seasoning gradually to control the spice level based on personal preference.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Cajun American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 720
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 1080mg
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 145mg