Recipes

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta 

A tasty twist using Cajun-seasoned chicken fillets, this one-pan creamy pasta dish brings both comfort and Cajun flair. The chicken stays tender and juicy, nestled in a rich, flavourful sauce that clings beautifully to pasta. Serve it over spaghetti or penne alongside a simple salad or steamed broccoli - or enjoy on its own for a quicker, protein-focused supper.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• For the chicken and sauce:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or fillets)

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • ½ cup diced onion

  • ½ cup diced celery

  • ½ cup diced bell pepper

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons flour

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• For the pasta:

  • 250 g (about 8 oz) penne or spaghetti

  • Salt (for pasta water)

Instructions:

1. Prep & cook pasta
   Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Season & sear chicken
   Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly on both sides of each chicken fillet. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook ~3–4 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Build the sauce
   In the same skillet, sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper until softened (~4–5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in flour to coat vegetables.

4. Simmer in cream
   Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer until the sauce thickens (~2 minutes). Stir in Parmesan until melted.

5. Combine & finish
   Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Simmer for another 3–4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce coats it beautifully. Add cooked pasta and toss gently to combine.

Seasoning & Serving:

The Cajun seasoning gives a balanced, warm spice—easy to lessen for younger palates by using just 1 tablespoon. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with steamed broccoli, a crisp green salad, or warm garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce.

Link to source!

https://www.budgetbytes.com/one-pot-creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta/?utm_source=chatgpt.com