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Quick Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for Weeknight Dinners

A close-up of creamy cajun chicken pasta featuring penne, chicken pieces, and fresh parsley garnish.

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Make this easy, flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta featuring tender chicken and a rich, spicy cream sauce. It is a satisfying comfort food dish ready fast for your busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more for taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Toss the cut chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning in a bowl.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the chicken broth to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining Cajun seasoning to taste. Stir until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken slightly.
  6. Add the cooked chicken and sun-dried tomatoes (if using) back into the sauce. Reduce heat to low.
  7. While the sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
  8. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy Cajun sauce.
  9. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
  • If you want a one-pot meal, cook the pasta directly in the sauce mixture, adding extra broth or water as needed to keep the pasta submerged while it cooks.

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