Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Delight
A flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, pasta, and vegetables in a rich, creamy Cajun sauce, perfect for a quick family meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 tablespoon oil for sautéing
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs juicy and tender
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning for that signature kick
For the Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon butter for richness
- 1 cup onion, diced adds sweetness
- 1 cup celery, diced for crunch
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced for color and flavor
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped the aromatic base
- 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped for a herbaceous note
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning yes, more for depth!
For the Sauce
- 6 cups chicken broth the flavorful liquid gold
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes optional for freshness
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce gluten-free option available
- 8 ounces pasta such as ditalini or shells; gluten-free options are also available
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream for creaminess
- 1/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano grated parmesan for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional for brightness
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped for garnish
- 2 green onions thinly sliced for a fresh touch
- Cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning and add it to the pan. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-4 minutes per side. Once done, set the chicken aside.
- In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, thyme, and an additional tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and if using, add the diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add the pasta to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is tender, approximately 7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, slice or shred it, and return it back into the sauce.
- With the heat off, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan until the cheese has melted smoothly into the sauce.
- Add the lemon juice, parsley, and green onions for brightness. Season the dish with cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Cajun seasoning for a few hours before cooking. Consider adding other vegetables, such as asparagus or spinach, to enhance the nutritional profile. Adjust the spiciness to your taste by modifying the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning. If you're looking for a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.