Description
This 25-Minute Cajun Chicken Pasta is a one-pot wonder that brings creamy comfort and bold flavor to your weeknight table. Featuring tender chicken, sautéed peppers, and a rich, cheesy Cajun-spiced sauce, it’s the perfect quick dinner for when you want something satisfying with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 pound short-cut pasta
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound chicken tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon plus 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup milk
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the chicken, onion, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook, stirring often, until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
3. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the pot. Stir in the bell peppers and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, until the peppers soften.
4. Sprinkle in 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then add the cream cheese. Whisk until smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, followed by the cooked pasta and chicken. Let everything warm together for 2–3 minutes.
7. Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh basil. Serve warm with extra basil if desired.
Notes
For a spicier dish, increase Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to taste. To lighten up the sauce, use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat milk. For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: One-pot stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-inspired American