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To make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you need the following ingredients: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients if needed. For the chicken, use shrimp or sausage for a twist. If you lack penne, any pasta shape works great. Instead of heavy cream, use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream. You can also replace Cajun seasoning with Italian herbs for a milder flavor. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Fresh chicken gives you a juicy texture. Fresh vegetables add crunch and color. Fresh herbs, like parsley, brighten the dish. When you use fresh items, your meal will taste better and look more appealing. Always pick the best quality for the best results. If you want the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. First, cook the penne pasta. Boil water in a big pot. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Toss in the pasta and cook until al dente, which means firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Make sure to save some pasta water in case you need it later. Next, let’s prepare the chicken. Take two boneless, skinless chicken breasts and dice them into bite-sized pieces. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Season it with one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate. Now, it’s time to make the creamy sauce. In the same skillet, add one chopped medium onion and three minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until the onion is clear. Then, add one sliced red bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it softens. Pour in one cup of heavy cream and one cup of chicken broth. Bring this mix to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and stir in one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Add the cooked chicken and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if you need to. Serve it hot, and don’t forget to garnish it with fresh parsley. Enjoy your meal! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To get a creamy sauce, use heavy cream. This gives a rich texture. If the sauce is too thick, add chicken broth. If it's too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. Always stir while it simmers. This helps blend the flavors together well. You can add more depth with spices. Try smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can brighten the dish. A pinch of cayenne adds heat. For a tangy kick, a squeeze of lemon juice works wonders. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking. A large skillet is key for this dish. It helps cook everything evenly. A good cutting board and knife make prep easier. Use a pasta pot with a strainer for cooking the penne. A wooden spoon helps mix the sauce without scratching your skillet. For the best results, have measuring cups and spoons handy. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can brighten up your creamy Cajun chicken pasta with fresh veggies. Try adding spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. These add color and extra nutrients. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic. This step keeps the vegetables crunchy and tasty. Mix them in right before you add the cream for a fresh bite. If you want to change the protein, shrimp or sausage works great. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Simply sauté shrimp until pink, then set aside. For sausage, slice it and cook it until browned. Then, follow the same steps as the chicken. Each protein brings a new twist to the dish. To turn up the heat, add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a little, then taste as you go. This way, you can control the spice level. Spicy flavors can make this dish even more exciting. To store leftovers of your creamy Cajun chicken pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir often until it is heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. If you want to freeze your creamy Cajun chicken pasta, do it right after cooking. Allow it to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then use the reheating tips mentioned. Enjoy your meal whenever you crave it! For the full recipe, check out the previous section. You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Cook the penne pasta and set it aside. Make the creamy sauce and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just combine them. Heat everything on the stove until warm. This method saves time during busy nights. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work well. Choose a shape that holds sauce well. Just remember to adjust cooking times according to the package. The flavors will still shine through, no matter the pasta. This dish pairs nicely with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette adds crunch. You can also serve garlic bread on the side. It is great for soaking up any leftover sauce. For a heartier meal, add roasted vegetables. Enjoy your meal with a touch of Cajun flair! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. In this post, I covered the key elements to create Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. We explored essential ingredients, their fresh substitutes, and the importance of each in the dish. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking pasta, preparing chicken, and making a creamy sauce. Tips for sauce consistency and flavor enhancements are crucial for success. Plus, we discussed delicious variations, storage methods, and answers to common questions. Keep experimenting and enjoy your cooking journey! This dish can become a favorite in your home.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a flavor-packed experience with our Cajun Delight Creamy Chicken Pasta! This quick and easy recipe combines tender chicken, penne pasta, and a rich creamy sauce, all enhanced with zesty Cajun seasoning. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish promises a deliciously satisfying meal in just 25 minutes. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this savory delight to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

8 oz penne pasta

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

        Add the sliced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.

          Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

            Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.

              Add the cooked chicken and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.

                Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if desired.

                  Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4