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Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy one-pot Cajun chicken pasta that balances spicy, creamy, and hearty flavors, ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and comforting dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
  • ½ medium onion, finely chopped
  • 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add uncooked pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir gently to submerge pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Return chicken to the pot and pour in heavy cream. Stir well and cook uncovered for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add more broth or cream to loosen. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diet. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking. Use sturdy pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni to hold sauce well.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, spicy pasta, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-one-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-and-ready-in-30-minutes/