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Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 130 reviews

This creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken pieces with a flavorful blend of Cajun spices, sautéed vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce made with half and half and cream cheese. Cooked all in one skillet with penne pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fresh spinach, this dish offers a spicy and comforting meal perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided

Vegetables

  • 1 medium sweet onion, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 ounces fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried
  • 14.5 ounces canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained

Pasta and Sauce

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup half and half
  • 2 ounces cream cheese

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Chop the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
  2. Melt Butter: Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add the butter, stirring to coat the pan completely.
  3. Cook Chicken: Add the chopped chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook stirring often until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pan, sprinkle with the remaining Cajun seasoning, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently to soften the vegetables.
  5. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Combine Pasta and Liquids: Add the penne pasta, chicken broth, drained fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and half and half to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  7. Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  8. Melt Cream Cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce.
  9. Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh baby spinach until evenly dispersed. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes to wilt the spinach.
  10. Serve: Stir well to combine all ingredients before serving hot for a creamy, flavorful Cajun chicken pasta dish.

Notes

  • Use fresh Cajun seasoning or make your own blend for the best flavor.
  • Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth to the dish, but regular diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
  • Half and half can be substituted with heavy cream for a richer sauce or whole milk for a lighter version.
  • Cooking the pasta in the sauce ensures all the flavors meld nicely but watch closely to avoid overcooking.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, one skillet pasta, Cajun seasoning, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe/