Description
Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish bursting with flavor. This easy recipe combines juicy chicken, aromatic Cajun spices, and a creamy sauce, making it perfect for quick dinners or cozy meals at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 8 oz penne or similar pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 oz cream cheese the brick style, not the tub style
- 2 cups half and half
- 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese not the powder type!
- Salt pepper and additional Cajun seasoning to taste
Instructions
- In a gallon zipper style bag, combine the chicken, one tablespoon of olive oil, and Cajun seasoning. Shake to evenly coat chicken.
- In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cover the pan. Cook for about seven minutes on each side, depending on chicken thickness.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until well blended. Add cream cheese and garlic, stirring until mixed. It may be slightly lumpy.
- Gradually add one-quarter of the half and half, whisking until smooth. Stir in the parmesan cheese and then add the remaining half and half. Bring to a gentle boil, whisking continuously until it thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and more Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Drain pasta and pour the sauce over, stirring to combine.
- Serve immediately. The chicken can be sliced and mixed in or placed atop the pasta. Garnish with tomatoes and/or green onions if desired.
Notes
Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference.
For a richer flavor, sauté the garlic until golden before adding to the sauce.
This dish can easily be made in advance and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg