Need a flavorful weeknight dinner? Creamy cajun chicken pasta is simple, packed with flavor, and ready in less than 30 minutes! Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or add your favorite veggies.
8oz(227g)penne pasta* cooked according to package instructions and drained
3Tablespoonsbutterdivided
1 ½lbs(680g)boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1" pieces
4teaspoonsCajun seasoningdivided
½teaspoonsaltdivided
½teaspoonpepperdivided
½yellow oniondiced
1red peppersliced
1green pepper sliced
1 ½cups(355ml)heavy cream
¾teaspoonsmoked paprika
½teaspoondried basil
¼teaspoongarlic powder
⅓cupfresh parmesan cheese
Instructions
Place 2 Tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium-high heat until melted.
3 Tablespoons butter
Meanwhile, combine 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a Ziploc bag. Add chopped chicken, zip closed, and shake until chicken is coated.
4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1" pieces
Transfer chicken to heated pan and cook until chicken is browned and just cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside.
Add remaining Tablespoon of butter to pan and allow it to melt.
Add peppers and onion and cook until beginning to soften (about 3-5 minutes).
½ yellow onion, 1 red pepper, 1 green pepper
Add heavy cream, smoked paprika, basil, garlic powder, and remaining cajun seasoning and ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, cooking until sauce is thickened.
1 ½ cups heavy cream, ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Return cooked chicken and add cooked pasta, stir well and serve.
⅓ cup fresh parmesan cheese, 8 oz penne pasta*
Notes
*While I particularly enjoy this recipe served with penne, you can of course substitute your favorite type of pasta. Linguine is another popular option!