Cajun Chicken Pasta

Hey there, pasta lovers! I’m so excited to share one of my go-to recipes for a quick, flavorful, and totally satisfying meal: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s packed with spicy Cajun flavor, tender chicken, and a creamy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds65.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights25.

• Flavorful: The Cajun seasoning adds a delicious kick that’s hard to resist15.

• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your पसंद and dietary needs2.

• Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults7.

Quick Facts

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Servings: 4-6

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 ounces farfalle pasta (or your favorite type)4

• 2 Tablespoons butter4

• 3 cloves garlic, minced4

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces4

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, more or less, to taste4

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into small pieces4

• 1 cup milk4

• ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese4

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper4

• ½ teaspoon salt, more to taste, if needed4

• Fresh vegetables, if desired (bell peppers, onions, tomatoes)15

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside14.

2. Season the chicken: In a large ziploc bag, toss together 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add chopped chicken, zip closed, and shake until chicken is coated. Set aside5.

3. Cook the chicken: In a large pot or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the chicken pieces (and any desired vegetables*) and season with Cajun seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until chicken is nearly cooked through4.

4. Make the sauce: Add milk and cream cheese, stirring well until cream cheese has melted and sauce is smooth, 2-3 minutes. Stir in pasta, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper4.

5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, and toss until everything is well combined2.

6. Serve: Serve immediately, topped with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese, if desired21.

Tips for Customization

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the heat2.

• Veggies: Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, broccoli, or asparagus152.

• Protein: Try sliced sausage or kielbasa instead of chicken, or make it a seafood pasta with shrimp2.

• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or light cream to cut calories, but keep in mind the sauce will be thinner2.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your dinner:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

• Roasted Vegetables: Add some extra veggies like roasted broccoli or asparagus.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
While best served immediately, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or linguine are all great choices52.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Estimated)

• Calories: 450-550

• Protein: 30-35g

• Fat: 20-25g

• Carbohydrates: 40-50g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Enjoy this flavorful and easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta! I hope it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation just like it has in mine. Happy cooking!