Cajun Chicken Pasta

5 from 1 vote

This easy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe will spice up your dinner routine with its bold flavors, juicy chicken and decadent, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a total crowd pleaser that is sure to become a new favorite in your home!

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword cajun chicken pasta, cajun chicken pasta recipe, creamy cajun chicken pasta

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Servings

Calories 1141kcal

Author Trish - Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts halved
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
1 bell pepper cut into ¼-inch strips
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon tomato paste
5 garlic cloves minced
½ cup low sodium chicken broth
1 ½ cups heavy cream
4 ounces finely shredded Parmesan cheese
16 ounces linguini pasta

Garnish (Optional)

diced tomato
sliced green onions
Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, rubbing the seasoning on both sides.
2 chicken breasts, 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Cook chicken (in batches if needed), about 3 to 5 minutes per side until cooked through (until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
Bring a large, generously salted, pot of water to a boil. Cook according to package directions to al dente while preparing the sauce.
16 ounces linguini pasta
Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter, onions and bell pepper. Cook until the onions have softened, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 bell pepper, 1 cup chopped onion
Stir in tomato paste until incorporated, cook until fragrant and paste becomes a deep, rusty red color, 2 to 3 minutes.
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5 garlic cloves
Add chicken broth, stirring until fully incorporated, and scraping any bits from the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes to reduce slightly.
½ cup low sodium chicken broth
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and sauce begins to thicken, 3 to 4 minutes.
1 ½ cups heavy cream, 4 ounces finely shredded Parmesan cheese
Toss cooked pasta with sauce, adding pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency, ¼ to ½ cup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Slice cooked chicken and serve with pasta or stir into pasta if desired.
Garnish with diced tomato, green onion and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
diced tomato, sliced green onions, Parmesan cheese

Notes

Storage Information

Refrigerator. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer. I do not recommend freezing this recipe.
Reheating. Gently reheat any leftovers on a low setting in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a little cream or broth if needed.

Nutrition