You only need 20 minutes to make this Cajun chicken pasta! Creamy and smoky, with a delicious spicy kick, this pasta recipe is currently my favorite weeknight meal.
Looking for more easy dinner recipes? Try my Tuscan Chicken or Chicken and Broccoli Pasta next!
About This Recipe
I never order pasta dishes when I go out anymore (unless it's a super fancy Italian place) because they're so easy to make at home. Seriously, if you're ordering pasta from a place like Chili's or Cheesecake Factory, just know you can make the same dish at home, probably better, and for a fraction of the price.
This chicken cajun pasta comes together insanely fast (20 minutes) and only requires 9 ingredients. Start by boiling your pasta so you can get everything else prepped while it cooks. After that, it's just a matter of sauteeing the chicken and vegetables and simmering with cream and tomato paste.
It's creamy and smoky, with a delicious spicy kick. This meal can feel a bit heavy because of the carbs and cream, but hey, we all need a little bit of indulgence sometimes, right? If you're looking for the perfect cheat day meal, this is it.
Key Ingredients
Penne pasta: Most recipes call for penne, which is why I'm using it, but truthfully, any pasta shape will work. I personally love this with penne or rigatoni the most
Chicken breasts: We'll need to cut two large chicken breasts in half. This will help the chicken cook faster and give us more surface area to be seared for flavor.
Olive oil: For searing the chicken and vegetables.
Cajun seasoning: I just bought cajun seasoning from the store. You can probably make this pretty easily following a recipe online.
Onions & garlic: For savory depth.
Tomato paste: Tomato paste provides acidity and helps thicken the sauce.
Heavy cream & parmesan cheese: For that creamy richness.
Instructions
STEP 1: Cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain.
STEP 2: Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.
STEP 3: Sear on both sides until cooked.
STEP 4: Transfer to a cutting board and slice into pieces.
STEP 5: Saute the onions and garlic until softened.
STEP 6: Stir in the tomato paste.
STEP 7: Add the heavy cream and simmer for a few minutes.
STEP 8: Add the pasta, chicken, and parmesan cheese. Toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it up with some water.
๐ Recipe
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounce penne pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise to make 4 cutlets)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 ยฝ tablespoons cajun seasoning
- ยฝ medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ยผ cup tomato paste
- 1 ยฝ cups heavy cream
- ยฝ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Lay the chicken flat and cook each side for 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Remove to a cutting board and cut into thin slices.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Add the onions and garlic and saute for 4 minutes until softened. Add the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and let it bubble for 2 minutes. Add the parmesan, chicken, and pasta to the pan. Mix and cook until the sauce thickens to your liking. If you accidentally make the sauce too thick, just add some water.
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