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Kickin’ Cajun Chicken Pasta

Kickin’ Cajun Chicken Pasta

Kickin’ Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal 🌶️. Juicy Cajun-spiced chicken in a silky Parmesan cream sauce - all cooked in one pan!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • Kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 red or yellow bell pepper diced
  • 1 stalk celery diced
  • 3 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni
  • Fresh parsley chopped
  • Fresh chives chopped

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserve ½ cup cooking water, then drain.
  1. Season chicken with Cajun spice, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
  1. In the same skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  1. Deglaze the skillet with wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
  1. Stir in chicken broth, then reduce heat to low. Add cream, Parmesan, and Cajun seasoning. Simmer until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
  1. Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated, loosening with reserved pasta water as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  1. Garnish with parsley, chives, and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Cajun seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this a great make-ahead meal.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.